SADC to Convene Extraordinary Summit in Harare Ove...

SADC to Convene Extraordinary Summit in Harare Over DRC Security Crisis

Zim Now Writer

The Southern African Development Community will hold an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government today, in Harare to address the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The summit, which will be chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current SADC chairperson, follows discussions at the Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Organ Troika and Troop Contributing Countries to the SADC Mission in the DRC, held on January 28.

The summit was chaired by Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.

The summit's discussions are prompted by the alarming escalation of violence in eastern DRC, particularly after the recent capture of the key city of Goma by the M23 rebel group. The region has seen an increase in military confrontations, resulting in the tragic deaths of several peacekeepers, including three soldiers from Malawi and thirteen from South Africa, during clashes with the M23 rebels.

The ongoing conflict has forced over 400,000 civilians to flee their homes since the beginning of 2025, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The international community, including the United Nations Security Council, has strongly condemned the violence and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities.

There are also calls for the withdrawal of external forces, such as Rwandan troops, who are accused of supporting the M23 rebels.

In addition to the summit of Heads of State, preparatory meetings will take place with the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials and the SADC Council of Ministers to discuss possible solutions to restore peace and stability in the region.

The outcome of these deliberations will be crucial in shaping the next steps for the SADC's intervention in the DRC and the broader efforts to secure regional peace.