Southern African bloc renews commitment to fight armed groups in eastern Congo

In Kinshasa, Southern African regional leaders reaffirmed their dedication to the peacekeeping mission in eastern Congo and condemned a protest letter from Rwanda opposing United Nations support for the mission. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed its Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) on Dec. 15 to aid the Congolese government in restoring peace and security in the region, which has been plagued by violent clashes.

During a summit in the capital of Zambia, Lusaka, leaders reiterated their commitment to a mutual defense pact within SADC, which declares that any armed attack against one member state is considered a threat to regional peace and security. Congo is one of the 16 members of the bloc, and SADC members approved the mission in eastern Congo in 2023 to support the Congolese army in combating armed rebel groups.

The regional leaders expressed disapproval of a letter sent by Rwanda to the United Nations Security Council in February, which opposed the plan to support the Southern African mission. Forces from East Africa, which were deployed in November 2022, started withdrawing from Congo in December while the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the region also began pulling out its troops.

The summit in Lusaka highlighted the ongoing efforts by SADC to maintain peace and security in eastern Congo, acknowledging the challenges and complexities of the situation. The commitment to the peacekeeping mission reflects the collective effort of SADC members to address the security threats in the region and support the government of Congo in its efforts to restore stability.

By emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity, SADC leaders underscored the significance of standing united in the face of security challenges. The condemnation of Rwanda’s opposition to the mission signals a unified stance among SADC members in supporting the peacekeeping efforts in eastern Congo and upholding regional peace and stability.

The withdrawal of regional and international forces from Congo signifies a transition in the security landscape of the region, as the responsibility for maintaining peace shifts to local authorities and the Congolese government. SADC’s commitment to the mission in eastern Congo reflects the organization’s proactive approach to addressing conflicts and promoting stability in the region.

The engagement of SADC in peacekeeping efforts in Congo demonstrates the organization’s willingness to take concrete steps towards conflict resolution and security cooperation within the region. By reiterating their commitment to the mission, SADC leaders reaffirm their dedication to upholding peace and security in eastern Congo and supporting the government in its efforts to address security challenges.

The summit in Lusaka served as a platform for regional leaders to reaffirm their joint resolve in addressing security threats and promoting stability in eastern Congo. As SADC continues to play a pivotal role in peacekeeping efforts in the region, the organization’s commitment to the mission underscores the importance of regional cooperation in maintaining peace and security in conflict-affected areas.

Overall, the summit in Lusaka emphasized the ongoing commitment of SADC to the peacekeeping mission in eastern Congo and showcased the organization’s collective efforts to address security challenges in the region. The unity and solidarity among SADC members reflect a shared commitment to sustaining peace and stability in eastern Congo and promoting regional security cooperation.