The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has convened an emergency virtual summit of its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to address the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The meeting, held under the leadership of Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, Second Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika, focused on the escalating conflict in eastern DRC and Madagascar.
In a strong statement following the summit, SADC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding peace, consolidating democracy, and promoting regional stability and integration. The regional bloc emphasized the need to strengthen African mechanisms for crisis prevention and resolution to preserve collective security across member states.
urgent call for adherence to peace agreements in DRC
The SADC leadership expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence in eastern DRC, noting that instability threatens not only national peace but also regional cooperation efforts. A key demand was made to all parties involved in the conflict to fully respect the commitments outlined in the Doha and Washington peace accords, particularly those related to ceasefire agreements.
According to the SADC communiqué, the summit highlighted the critical need for African-led peace processes, supported by international efforts, to establish lasting stability, resilience, and sustainable peace in the region. The failure to implement these agreements on the ground remains a major obstacle, with each party interpreting the terms differently, further complicating peace efforts.
regional solidarity and upcoming commitments
The SADC Troika also reaffirmed its solidarity with the Congolese people in the face of recent challenges, including the resurgence of Ebola in eastern DRC. Several recommendations were formulated during the meeting, which will be presented for consideration at the upcoming 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government. The summit will take place from August 16 to 17, 2026, in Durban, South Africa, marking the beginning of South Africa’s one-year presidency of the regional bloc.
South Africa currently holds the interim presidency of SADC following political upheaval in Madagascar in October 2025, which led to the removal of former President Andry Rajoelina. This transition underscores the ongoing challenges within the region’s leadership and the need for unified action in addressing security threats.
The SADC’s call comes amid stalled diplomatic progress despite multiple peace initiatives, including the Washington and Doha agreements, aimed at achieving a durable ceasefire and reviving dialogue between conflicting parties in eastern DRC. However, the persistent violence continues to undermine these efforts, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current peace strategies.
The situation remains precarious, with local and international voices increasingly urging all stakeholders to honor their commitments under the peace accords. Yet, tangible progress remains elusive as the gap between diplomatic agreements and ground realities widens, leaving millions in eastern DRC caught in the crossfire of ongoing hostilities.
