The Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation opened this morning, with leaders urging the region to continue its support for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in addressing the ongoing conflict in the eastern provinces.
The summit, which is part of preparations for the subsequent Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government later today, is being held at the newly inaugurated Parliament building in Mt Hampden. Zanzibar President Ali Hussein Mwinyi delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Organ Troika.
In her address, President Hassan emphasized the critical need for SADC member states to remain united in their support for the DRC. “Without the collective efforts of SADC, peace and security in eastern DRC cannot be sustained,” President Hassan’s message, delivered by President Mwinyi, stated. She further urged the region to act without hesitation, given the devastating impact of the conflict, including widespread displacement and humanitarian suffering.
The situation in eastern DRC has prompted urgent action, with ongoing instability and violence driving millions of people from their homes. The SADC mission, deployed in December 2023, has been working towards stabilizing the region, but its one-year mandate is set to conclude next month. The Extraordinary Summit of the Troika is expected to decide on the future of this mission, determining whether it will continue or adapt its approach to meet the evolving needs of the region.
With the Heads of State and Government summit scheduled to follow, today’s discussions will play a pivotal role in shaping SADC’s ongoing response to the security crisis in the DRC and broader regional stability.
