The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on 13 March 2025 to address the escalating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This summit follows the virtual Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit held just last week, which focused on the growing instability in the region. 
The recent surge in attacks by the M23 rebel group against Congolese security forces, SADC peacekeeping troops, and civilians has further exacerbated the crisis.
According to a communiqué issued by the SADC Secretariat on 11 March, the forthcoming summit will review and deliberate on the recommendations put forth during the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit. It reads:
<blockquote>
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on 13th March 2025 in a virtual format to discuss the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of SADC, will chair the Summit.
The Summit will receive updates on the latest security situation in the DRC and deliberate on the recommendation from the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit which was held on 6th March 2025.
The SADC Summit is responsible for setting the overall policy direction and controlling the functions of the Community, making it the primary policy-making institution of SADC.
</blockquote>
The security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains extremely volatile, particularly in the eastern regions. 
The M23 armed group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its operations, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians who are fleeing their homes in search of safety.
The M23 currently controls large swaths of territory in the eastern DRC, including the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. 
Key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, have fallen under their control, and the group has also set up a parallel administration.

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The leaders of countries in Africa will have a meeting on the computer to talk about the problems happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There is a rebel group called M23 causing trouble, attacking soldiers and civilians. The leaders want to figure out what to do to help. The rebel group has taken over some cities. This meeting will help decide what to do next to stop the fighting and keep people safe in Congo. The meeting will be on March 13th, 2025 and will be led by the president of Zimbabwe.

SADC To Hold Virtual Extraordinary Summit On DRC Security Crisis

SADC leaders have proposed a joint summit with the East African Community (EAC) to address the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where rebels have taken control of the eastern city of Goma.
The EAC is a regional organization of eight countries: Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
SADC leaders met in Harare, Zimbabwe, on January 31, and reiterated their calls for a ceasefire. Reads part of the communique:
<blockquote>
Summit called for an immediate joint Summit of SADC and East African Community (EAC) to deliberate on the way forward regarding the security situation in the DRC as proposed by the 24th Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State of the EAC held on 29th January 2025.
</blockquote>
The summit took place as Rwanda-backed rebels rapidly expanded in eastern DRC after capturing Goma, the region’s main city.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi missed last week’s EAC summit but attended the SADC summit. Reads the communique:
<blockquote>
Summit expressed concern that the recent attacks continued to worsen the security and humanitarian situation in the DRC and called for immediate restoration of essential utilities such as water, electricity, means of communication and supply lines for food and other essential commodities.
Summit condemned in strongest terms the attacks on the SAMIDRC troops by the M23 armed group and the RDF operating in the Eastern DRC as such actions violated the ceasefire that was brokered through the Luanda Process on 30 July 2024 and undermine peace and security of the DRC and the SADC region.
Summit recalled its decision of May 2023 to deploy peacekeeping mission to the DRC in order to support its desire for peace and security and defend its territorial integrity. In this regard, Summit noted that these objectives have not yet been realised.
</blockquote>
Tshisekedi expelled an EAC peacekeeping force, which included Rwandan troops, and chose military support from SADC instead.
South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania sent troops, but they were overwhelmed by the rebels as poorly-trained DRC soldiers either retreated or surrendered. The communique said:
<blockquote>
Summit expressed its deepest condolences to the Democratic Republic Congo, the Republics of Malawi and South Africa and, the United Republic of Tanzania for the deceased soldiers who lost their lives during the recent attacks in Sake, Eastern DRC, whilst serving under the SAMIDRC and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
</blockquote>
Reports on Friday indicated that M23 rebels were about 60 kilometres from South Kivu’s capital, Bukavu.
After capturing Goma, M23 has taken several towns, including the key humanitarian hub vital for the six million people displaced by the conflict.
The SADC Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government yesterday in Harare was attended by the following Heads of State and Government or their representatives: Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Duma Gideon Boko (Botswana), Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo (DRC), Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar), Daniel Francisco Chapo (Mozambique), Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia), Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Thulisile Dladla, the Deputy Prime Minister of Eswatini, Téte António, Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Nancy Gladys Tembo, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Frans Kapofi, Namibia’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs.

SADC and EAC leaders want to work together to help solve the fighting in Congo. Rebels are taking over cities in Eastern Congo, like Goma. The leaders met in Zimbabwe and called for peace. They want to restore power and get food to people. The rebels hurt soldiers from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania. The rebels are getting closer to Bukavu. They took over important towns, making it hard for people who had to leave their homes. The leaders want to stop the rebels and bring peace back to Congo.

SADC Proposes Joint Summit With EAC To Resolve DRC Security Crisis

SADC Heads of State and Government will meet in Harare on Friday, January 31, for an Extraordinary Summit to discuss the worsening security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/sadc-tackles-drc-impasse/">The Herald</a>.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi briefed President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the summit agenda during a meeting at State House on Thursday.
Magosi told journalists that the DRC conflict is concerning, as SADC has already lost more than a dozen soldiers in the region. He said:
<blockquote>
We’re paying a courtesy call on His Excellency as the chairperson of SADC.
He will be chairing the Extraordinary SADC meeting tomorrow (today) to discuss matters of Eastern DRC, which is a worrying situation.
So, I was just briefing him on preparations for the meeting tomorrow and the agenda that will be covered.
At this point, I can say it’s concerning (the conflict) because we have lost lives, certainly, and we feel that our troops should be protected.
The Excellences will discuss the details and provide guidance at the end of the summit.
</blockquote>
The SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) was deployed on December 15, 2023, to assist the DRC government in restoring peace and security in the eastern region, which has seen increased conflict due to armed group activity.
The upcoming summit follows an Extraordinary Summit held on January 28, 2023, by the SADC Organ Troika, the DRC, and Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the SAMIDRC.
The meeting was chaired by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who leads the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.
As of Tuesday, the death toll from fighting between peacekeepers and M23 rebels had reached 17, including 13 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers and others from Malawi and Uruguay serving under the SADC regional force or the UN mission in Congo (MONUSCO).
M23 rebels have made significant advances toward the city of Goma, home to over a million people, in recent weeks.
Over 400,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu near the Rwandan border.
On Wednesday, the East African Community (EAC) held an Extraordinary Summit to address the situation in the DRC.
EAC Chairperson President William Ruto of Kenya announced plans to consult with SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa about the need for a joint summit.
However, Magosi said that no formal communication had yet been made regarding the joint summit. He said:
<blockquote>
Until formal communication comes our way, then we will consider that, and I believe, our leaders will determine whether it’s something that can take root or not. At this point, we don’t have anything formal from the EAC.
</blockquote>

SADC leaders are meeting to talk about problems in eastern DRC. Many soldiers have died, and they want to protect their troops. The summit will discuss how to bring peace and security to the region. M23 rebels are causing trouble, and many people have been forced to leave their homes. The SADC Mission is trying to help the DRC government. They are also planning to talk with the East African Community about the crisis. President Mnangagwa will lead the meeting to try to find a solution to the conflict.

Mnangagwa To Chair Special SADC Meeting On Growing Security Crisis In Eastern DRC

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on Thursday, January 30, in Harare to address the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The summit will be chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current SADC chairperson. The SADC Secretariat said:
<blockquote>
The Summit follows the outcome of the Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Organ Troika plus the DRC and Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which was held on 28th January 2025 and was chaired by Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security Cooperation.
The Extraordinary Summit will be preceded by the meetings of SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials and the SADC Council of Ministers.
</blockquote>
The security situation in eastern DRC is rapidly deteriorating, particularly following the recent capture of the key city of Goma by the M23 rebel group, which has escalated violence in the region.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including three Malawian soldiers and thirteen South African soldiers who were killed during a peacekeeping mission after an encounter with the M23 rebels.
In addition to the loss of life, the fighting has forced over 400,000 people to flee their homes since the beginning of 2025.
The international community, including the United Nations Security Council, has urged an immediate end to hostilities and the withdrawal of external forces, such as the Rwandan troops, who are accused of supporting the M23 rebels.

The leaders of African countries are meeting in Harare to talk about the fighting in Congo. The leaders are worried because the situation is getting worse, with more violence and people having to leave their homes. Some soldiers from Malawi and South Africa have died in the fighting. The United Nations also wants the fighting to stop. The leaders will have meetings to try and find a way to make peace in Congo and help all the people who are suffering.

SADC To Hold Extraordinary Summit In Harare To Address DRC Security Crisis

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an extraordinary summit in Harare on Wednesday, November 20, but overlooked the civil unrest in Mozambique following the recent disputed elections.
The declaration of the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the winner sparked widespread protests that have resulted in at least 35 deaths and over 300 arrests.
According to Mozambique’s National Election Commission, Chapo secured 71 per cent of the vote, while the main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, an independent candidate, received 20 per cent.
Mondlane has rejected the official results, declaring himself the true winner and calling for a rerun of the elections held on October 9.
In response, SADC urged opposition leaders to pursue legal avenues to challenge the election results, which was a setback for Mondlane’s demands.
Further, the opposition party RENAMO, a former rebel movement, has called for the elections to be annulled and for a caretaker government to be established to reform the electoral system before new elections take place.
During the summit, SADC executive secretary Elias Magosi opened the proceedings by praising Mozambique, Botswana, and Mauritius for conducting what he characterised as “peaceful” elections, a statement that contrasts sharply with the turmoil currently unfolding in Mozambique. He said:
<blockquote>
We did not expect that the election processes could deteriorate to the extent of serious conflict, disruption of economic activity, threat to human lives, and even loss of lives, as well as damage to property and infrastructure.
There are appropriate structures under the electoral laws and constitution of member states that deal with complaints and any misgivings about elections.
We plead with all those that are aggrieved with the election process to follow these lawful procedures and ensure safety of citizens and stability of the country.
</blockquote>
Mozambique’s Constitutional Court is currently reviewing a petition from the opposition to refrain from validating Daniel Chapo’s victory, with a decision still pending.
At the SADC summit, Chairman President Emmerson Mnangagwa chose not to address the violent clashes in Mozambique during his speech.
This omission is particularly glaring given the controversy surrounding Mnangagwa, who had congratulated Chapo even before the official results were announced.
Mnangagwa is a close ally of both outgoing Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and incoming President Chapo.
On Wednesday, the SADC leaders decided to refer the ongoing crisis to the organ on politics, defence, and security, which is chaired by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
However, Hassan was not in attendance at the summit, raising questions about the immediate response to the unrest in Mozambique. A communique issued at the end of the meeting said:
<blockquote>
Summit received an update from His Excellency President Filipe Nyusi of the Republic of Mozambique on the post-election political and security situation in the country and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to work with the Republic of Mozambique in ensuring peace, security and stability through the relevant structures of the SADC organ on politics, defence and security cooperation.
Summit extended condolences to the government and people of the Republic of Mozambique for the lives lost during the post-election violence.
</blockquote>
Only five heads of state of the 16-member bloc, including Mnangagwa, attended the Harare summit, with many leaders sending their foreign ministers.
President Duma Boko (Botswana), President Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), President Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar), and President Nyusi (Mozambique) attended the summit.
South Africa was represented by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, while Tanzania was represented by Deputy President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, also the President of Zanzibar.
Other attendees included Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini of Eswatini, Dr. Peya Mushelenga from Namibia, International Relations Minister Mulambo Haimbe from Zambia, Minister Limpho Tau from Lesotho, Minister João dos Santos Liberdade from Angola, Minister Harry Mkandawire from Malawi, and Minister Charles Errol Fonseka from Seychelles.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) had a meeting, but did not talk about the violence in Mozambique after the elections. The ruling party's candidate won, causing protests and many deaths. The opposition leader thinks he actually won and wants new elections. SADC says to follow legal processes. The opposition wants the election canceled and a new government. SADC leaders said they will work to make peace. Some leaders from different countries attended the meeting. The situation in Mozambique is still tense, and people are waiting for the court's decision.

SADC Summit Ignores Mozambique's Post-Election Violence

On Wednesday, November 20, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) decided to extend the presence of regional troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for another year, to combat rebel activities there. The leaders convened in Harare, Zimbabwe, for an extraordinary summit.
South Africa has contributed approximately 3,000 troops to the SADC mission, which began deployment in December. Additional troops from Tanzania and Malawi bring the total to over 5,000.
In a communiqué, the summit announced the one-year extension of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). Reads the communiqué:
<blockquote>
Summit received updates on the peace and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), expressed concern at the continued deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the country, and reiterated SADC’s support to the Government of the DRC towards resolving the conflict and attainment of lasting peace, stability and security in the country.
Summit extended the mandate of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) by one year, continuing the regional response to address the prevailing unstable security situation in eastern DRC.
Summit reiterated the regional commitment expressed in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact that, ‘an armed attack against one shall be deemed a threat to regional peace and security’, and commended member States for demonstrating the spirit of collective regional solidarity through continued contribution and support to the SAMIDRC.
Summit commended the SAMIDRC leadership, and all personnel deployed to the Mission for their sacrifices, dedication and commitment towards peace, stability and security in eastern DRC.
Summit welcomed the continued efforts of the African Union Peace and Security Council, and the United Nations Security Council in exploring various options to support the SAMIDRC.
</blockquote>
SAMIDRC operates alongside various forces in the region, which has experienced armed violence for decades. These forces include the Congolese government military, foreign mercenaries, a United Nations peacekeeping force, and over 100 armed groups vying for power, land, and mineral resources.
Some groups are focused on community defence, while others have faced accusations of serious human rights violations.
Rwanda has denied allegations from the Congolese government and U.N. experts regarding its support for M23, a prominent rebel group in eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with over 7 million people displaced.
Although U.N. peacekeepers were scheduled to leave Congo next month, rising violence attributed to Rwanda-backed rebels has led to a reassessment of this timeline, according to the country’s communication minister, Patrick Muyaya.
Concerning Mozambique, SADC leaders discussed the situation but did not provide specific details in their statements.
The summit was attended by several heads of state, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), President Duma Boko (Botswana), President Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), President Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar), and President Nyusi (Mozambique).
South Africa was represented by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, while Tanzania was represented by Deputy President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, also the President of Zanzibar.
Other attendees included Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini of Eswatini, Dr. Peya Mushelenga from Namibia, International Relations Minister Mulambo Haimbe from Zambia, Minister Limpho Tau from Lesotho, Minister João dos Santos Liberdade from Angola, Minister Harry Mkandawire from Malawi, and Minister Charles Errol Fonseka from Seychelles.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SADC leaders decided to keep troops in Congo for another year to fight rebels. South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi contributed troops. They want peace and stability in Congo. Rwanda denies supporting rebels. Congo has faced violence, displacing millions. U.N. peacekeepers were supposed to leave, but violence delayed it. SADC leaders also discussed Mozambique. The summit was attended by many heads of state. Peacekeepers sacrificed for peace in Congo. Congo still faces many challenges with armed groups. Leaders are committed to helping Congo.

SADC Leaders Resolve To Keep Troops In Eastern DR Congo For Another Year

Only four of the 15 Heads of State will attend the SADC Extraordinary Summit chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare on Wednesday.
Among the attendees are Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, and incoming SADC chair, Madagascar’s Andry Nirina Rajoelina.
Botswana’s new President, Duma Gideon Boko, will also attend, marking his first SADC summit since taking office on October 30.
Other notable attendees include South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Eswatini Prime Minister Russel Mmiso Dlamini, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council of Zanzibar-Tanzania Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Angolan Minister of Defence Joao Ernesto Santos, and Seychelles’ Minister of Internal Affairs Charles Errol Fonseka.
The SADC Council of Ministers convened on Monday, followed by the Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika on Tuesday, leading up to the Extraordinary Summit.
In a statement, the SADC Secretariat said that the summit will review the security situation in the region, particularly focusing on the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It added:
<blockquote>
The SADC region deployed the SAMIDRC on 15th December 2023 on a one-year mandate as a regional response to address the security situation in the DRC and restore peace, security and stability to pave the way for sustainable development.
The Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government will be preceded by the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit, which will be Chaired by HE Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council representing Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security Co-operation.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Only four out of 15 leaders will attend a special meeting in Harare. Presidents from Congo, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Botswana will be there. They will talk about security in Eastern Congo. Other officials from different countries will also attend. They will review a mission to bring peace in Congo. The meeting will be led by the President of Zanzibar. The leaders will discuss important issues affecting the region. It is an important meeting to help make things better in the region.

Only Four Heads Of State To Attend SADC Extraordinary Summit In Harare

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is holding a virtual extraordinary summit of Heads of State and Government this Friday, 02 February, to discuss the cholera outbreak in the region.
In a statement, the SADC Secretariat said the extraordinary summit will receive and consider the report regarding the cholera outbreak in several member states, their state of preparedness and responses to the outbreaks.
The summit is being chaired by SADC Chairperson President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The fight against cholera aligns with the African regional framework for the implementation of the global strategy for cholera prevention and control, 2018-2030.
This framework supports the new global strategy for cholera control at the country level, providing a definitive pathway towards a world where cholera no longer poses a threat to public health.
</blockquote>
The extraordinary SADC summit was preceded by the extraordinary meeting of the Committee of Sadc Ministers of Health with technical support from the World Health Organisation, the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) office for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and another extraordinary meeting of the Sadc Council of Ministers.
According to OXFAM, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe are facing an unprecedented surge of cholera cases.
In <a href="https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/southern-african-countries-face-terrifying-and-overwhelming-cholera-outbreak-covid">a statement issued two weeks ago</a>, OXFAM warned that the situation could become uncontrollable and difficult to manage.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SADC Leaders Hold Virtual Extraordinary Summit On Cholera

The Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government scheduled for 04 November is expected to discuss Zimbabwe’s disputed general elections held on 23 and 24 August 2023.
The Extraordinary Summit was held virtually on Tuesday, 31 October but was adjourned to Saturday due to connectivity issues, according to Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Frederick Shava.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-polls-major-victory-for-democracy-sadc/">The Herald</a> soon after the meeting, Shava revealed that Zimbabwe was on the agenda of the meeting of SADC Heads of State and Government yesterday but the meeting adjourned before the matter was discussed.
SADC Chairperson and Angolan leader, President Joao Lourenco, commended Zimbabwe and the Kingdom of Eswatini for recently holding elections “in a democratic manner”. Said Shava:
<blockquote>
He (President Lourenco) was very positive and congratulated Zimbabwe once again. If you remember he did congratulate His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, for his re-election when we were in New York during UNGA.
Today at the opening ceremony, he repeated that same message and also congratulated the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Nothing more about Zimbabwe came out, although we identified an agenda item that wanted to discuss Zimbabwe but we adjourned before we got to it. Of course, it was included by the people who prepared it, the Secretariat…
The meeting ended because we were having connectivity glitches in the various places from which we were following proceedings, so the meeting became inconsistent because of audibility issues.
The chairman suggested that we should defer it so we could meet in person.
</blockquote>
The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has been urging SADC leaders to address the issues raised by the SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) to Zimbabwe for the 23 and 24 August 2023 elections.
In a statement yesterday after SADC adjourned the Extraordinary Summit, CCC deputy spokesperson Gift “Ostallos” Siziba said:
<blockquote>
It is time for decisive regional action. We call upon SADC to uphold their Observer Mission Report and facilitate a process whereby Zimbabwe can regain legitimacy, firmly rooted in the free will of the people.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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