The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extraordinary Summit has officially terminated the mandate of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), marking a shift from military intervention to diplomatic and political efforts in addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
The summit, chaired by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, gathered regional leaders to deliberate on the worsening security situation, including the recent capture of Goma and Bukavu by armed groups. The leaders commended SADC troops for their resilience and sacrifice but emphasized that a political solution remains the key to lasting peace.
In a unanimous decision, the summit directed the phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops, while pledging continued support for DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Leaders stressed the urgent need to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes and urged all parties—including state and non-state actors—to engage in dialogue.
The summit also called for unhindered humanitarian access to affected communities and appealed to the United Nations, African Union, and other international partners for increased assistance.
While military intervention is ending, SADC remains committed to peace efforts in DRC, with leaders reaffirming their unshakable regional solidarity in pursuit of security and stability.
