Harare, (New Ziana) – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Tuesday denied claims by the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that its peace-keeping forces deployed in the country were fighting against it in alliance with the government army and other rebel groups.

The regional group has a contingent of forces, mostly South African, deployed in the DRC to help enforce peace between the M23 rebels and the government.

Its forces are neutral, as are others from the United Nations and Kenya, among other participating countries and organisations.

But in a statement at the weekend, M23 rebels accused SADC forces of fighting against it in Goma along government forces and those from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and Wazalendo militia.

SADC categorically rebutted the M23 rebel claims on Tuesday, saying its peace keeping forces had never engaged in hostilities against any party in the conflict.

“The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has noted with deep concern the contents of an official communiqué issued on 12 April 2025 by the Alliance Flauve Congo/March 23 Movement (M23), which alleges that the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) has engaged in joint military operations alongside the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and the Wazalendo militia in Goma against M23. SADC firmly refutes these allegations,” the group said.

It said its commitment to peace and stability in the region was steadfast, adding that in line with the directives from the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, the organization is currently undertaking a structured and coordinated withdrawal from the DRC.

“Moreover, SADC reaffirms its dedication to the agreements established during the consultative engagement held on March 28, 2025, in Goma between SADC representatives and M23 leadership. The organization remains focused on fostering peaceful and diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving lasting stability in the eastern DRC,” SADC said.

It called on all parties to act responsibly, and refrain from spreading falsehoods. Further, SADC appealed to the parties to collaboration to de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the region.

New Ziana