Harare, (New Ziana)-The Ministerial Committee of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ Troika met on Tuesday at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, on the north western outskirts of the capital, with the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) dominating the deliberations.
The eastern DRC has witnessed an increase in conflicts and instability caused by the resurgence of armed groups including the M23, resulting in the displacement of about 2.5 million people and loss of about 1 000 lives.
The Ministers’ meeting was a precursor to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government which begins on Wednesday at the same venue.
The Extraordinary Summit has been convened to review the security situation in the DRC ahead of the expiry of the SADC mission in DRC (SAMIDRC) which was deployed in eastern DRC in December last year.
Officially opening the Ministerial Committee meeting, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said it was expected to come up with recommendations to Heads of State and Government to address the prevailing security challenges in the Eastern DRC.
“As we deliberate on the future of the mission in DRC, it is my sincere hope that this meeting will come up with concrete recommendations to our principals and the most feasible way to address the prevailing security challenges in the Eastern DRC. On the same note, we must all remain steadfast in honouring our obligations towards SAMIDRC, contributing the required resources in order for the mission to achieve its mandate effectively and eventually make a mark on the existing peace and security efforts in our region,” he said.
Addressing the same meeting, SADC executive secretary Elias Magosi said the Ministerial session will consider the report of the field assessment mission and make recommendations to the main Summit on the next critical steps to take under the prevailing circumstances.
“I wish to reiterate, however, the need for the continued regional support and solidarity with the people and the Government of the DRC in addressing the upcoming mass displacement of people of the North Kivu area.
“Therefore, supplying SAMIDRC with sustainable financial and logistical support cannot be overemphasized,” he said. Addressing the SADC Council of Ministers on Monday, Magosi made the same appeal for the regional body to continue supporting SAMIDRC.
New Ziana
