SADC Chairperson President E.D. Mnangagwa has strongly condemned the M23 rebels for their attacks on SADC and United Nations peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The chairperson expressed deep concern over the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo caused by the M23 rebels’ attacks on peacekeepers.
The attack claimed the lives of 13 peacekeepers and left several others injured, despite their success in repelling the rebels. Among the casualties, South Africa lost nine soldiers, Malawi three, and Uruguay one.
The Chairperson extended condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and wished the injured a swift recovery.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to addressing the situation decisively.
The SADC Chairperson emphasized that SADC would fully assume its responsibilities and take decisive action to address the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Eastern DRC.
He stated that those responsible for the situation must be held accountable.
The United Nations has urged Rwandan forces to withdraw from the DRC and cease their support for the M23 rebels.
