During the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit held in Zimbabwe on August 17, Angola was acknowledged for its key role in the Luanda Process, which aims to resolve the conflict in eastern DR Congo peacefully and sustainably.
The 15-member SADC has deployed military forces from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi to support the Congolese army, which includes the controversial FDLR group, in its battle with the M23 rebels. Despite these efforts, the South Africa-led SADC Mission in DR Congo (SAMIDRC) has faced difficulties in achieving peace and stability in a region where up to 200 armed groups are active.
Following the summit, a communiqué highlighted the contributions of Angolan President João Lourenço in facilitating the Luanda Process. The statement praised President Lourenço for his ongoing efforts to address the security issues in eastern DR Congo through this initiative.
Angola was also recognized for its role in negotiating a ceasefire between the warring factions in eastern DR Congo.
The open-ended ceasefire, agreed upon during a July 30 meeting between the foreign ministers of DR Congo, Rwanda, and Angola, came into effect on August 5. While the M23 rebels were not involved in the Luanda discussions, they have pledged to support the ceasefire and work towards reducing hostilities.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka recently expressed their willingness to adhere to the ceasefire. “We support any initiatives that promote peace in eastern DR Congo. Even though we were not part of the Luanda negotiations, we hope this ceasefire will lead to direct talks with the Congolese government to address the root causes of the conflict,” Kanyuka said.
The Luanda Process provides a vital chance for establishing a ceasefire between the M23 and the Congolese army, aiming for enduring peace in eastern DR Congo, although there are concerns about Kinshasa’s commitment to the process.
For the past thirty years, the failure to dismantle the FDLR militia has been largely due to inadequate cooperation from successive Congolese governments and a lack of international commitment. The FDLR, which was established by survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, has remained a persistent problem.
A recent report from the UN Group of Experts on DR Congo highlights that Kinshasa has increasingly used the FDLR in its fight against the M23 rebels, which has worsened the conflict and instability in eastern DR Congo. The FDLR, a UN-sanctioned terrorist group responsible for attacks on Rwanda since 2000, continues to be a central issue in diplomatic relations between Rwanda and DR Congo. Rwanda has voiced concerns about the FDLR’s integration into the Congolese military amid the conflict with the M23.
The SADC Summit also announced the closure of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and praised member states for their contributions of troops, resources, and support. With SAMIM withdrawing from Cabo Delgado last month, the Rwanda Security Forces, including the Rwanda Defence Forces and Rwanda National Police, have taken over the area. SAMIM faced criticism for failing to fully address the ongoing jihadist threat in the region.
Additionally, the Summit elected Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as the new Chairperson of SADC, with Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina set to take over as the incoming Chairperson.