Harare, (New Ziana) – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has terminated the mandates of its peace mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (SAMIDRC) as the regional body shifts focus to diplomacy and dialogue to stop the fighting in the eastern province of that country.
SADC had deployed peacekeepers under the auspices of SAMIDRC, with South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania contributing troops. The mission ran alongside the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) but the security situation in Eastern DRC deteriorated when the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group attacked and killed SAMIDRC and MONUSCO peacekeepers during an offensive to take the eastern DRC provincial capital, Goma at the beginning of the year.
In a communique at the end of a one-day virtual SADC Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government in Harare on Thursday, SADC executive secretary, Elias Magosi said the regional body terminated the SAMIDRC mandate and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC.
This was after the summit noted the continued deterioration of the security situation in the Eastern DRC, including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, and the blockage of the main supply routes, making it difficult for humanitarian aid to flow.
The summit called for the protection and free movement of civilians seeking safety and for all parties to uphold international humanitarian principles, stop attacks on civilians’ infrastructure, and guarantee unhindered humanitarian access.
“Summit noted the increasing humanitarian needs in the DRC and called on the international community, including the United Nations, and theAfrican Union to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of the DRC,” read part of the communique.
“Summit reiterated the need for a political and diplomatic solution with all parties including state, non-state parties, military and non-military in the Eastern DRC for the restoration of peace, security and tranquillity in the country.
“Summit further reiterated the decision from the joint Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and SADC to merge the Luanda and Nairobi Processes and inclusion of more facilitators to enhance the peace-building process.”
The SADC leaders also welcomed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 2773 Resolution which gives guidance for a long lasting solution while supporting the regional efforts by the AU, East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and SADC, in convening high-level meetings and the efforts under the Luanda and Nairobi mediation processes, as well as the efforts by the United Nations Secretary-General to restore peace and security in Eastern DRC.
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