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

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 a virtual Extraordinary Summit on January 5, 2025, to discuss the political and security situation in Mozambique following the disputed presidential elections on October 9, 2024.
The ruling FRELIMO party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner, but the opposition rejected the results, leading to widespread protests. These protests have been met with a violent police crackdown, resulting in many deaths and injuries.
The Summit was chaired by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Gladys Tembo, also in attendance.
Other participants included ministers from Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia, as well as SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi.
President Hassan said that the unrest in Mozambique affects the entire SADC region’s socio-economic stability.
President Hichilema noted that the situation is hindering regional trade, especially in the energy and transport sectors. He called for collective action to restore peace and stability in Mozambique.
Magosi expressed SADC’s solidarity with the people of Mozambique and the need for unity and cooperation to return to normalcy.
The Summit tasked the SADC Panel of Elders, supported by the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) Troika Member States and the SADC Secretariat, to engage with the Mozambican government and opposition leaders and report back by January 15, 2025.
The Summit also directed the Interstate Defence and Security Committee to propose measures to protect regional trade routes, humanitarian corridors, and energy supplies while addressing the political and security challenges in Mozambique.
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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) talked about problems in Mozambique. People are upset because of the election results. There are protests and violence. Leaders from Tanzania, Zambia, and Malawi came together to talk about it. They want peace in Mozambique for everyone. The SADC Panel of Elders will talk to the government and opposition leaders to solve the issues. They want to make sure trade and energy stay safe during this time. Everyone is working together to fix the problems in Mozambique.

SADC Panel Of Elders To Engage With Mozambican Government And Opposition

City of Harare Councillors have criticised the local authority’s procurement department for allegedly hindering preparations for the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled for August 17.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030598/councillors-fume-over-harare-preps-for-sadc">NewsDay</a>, during a special full council meeting on Tuesday, councillors reportedly took turns lambasting the procurement department for failing to approve the acquisition of equipment needed to uplift the city ahead of the summit.
Chairperson of the subcommittee on Town House renovations and beautification councillor Jane Bingari said:
<blockquote>
So far, the team at the procurement department does not want any progress. They want things which they only benefit from. They don’t want to work at all.
</blockquote>
Councillor Denford Ngadziore said accused the procurement department of only prioritising issues they are benefiting from. Said Ngadziore:
<blockquote>
The procurement department is indeed only serious on issues they are benefiting from. I do not want to raise alarm, but they are not serious and we need to be serious in this department.
</blockquote>
Human resources chairperson George Mujajati said:
<blockquote>
This is a national sabotage and we have observed sabotage and incompetence and we need to sit down and decide on the way forward.
</blockquote>
However, speaking to NewsDay after the meeting, Mayor Jacob Mafume said preparations for the SADC summit were progressing well. He said:
<blockquote>
We are going on with preparations in line with Sadc beautification programme and beyond. We are almost ready to host the summit, but we need now to work day and night.
</blockquote>
Mafume said the city has undertaken several measures to improve preparations for the upcoming SADC Summit including improving road markings, installing new streetlights, repairing traffic lights, and enhancing security at recreational facilities and parks.
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City of Harare councillors are upset with the procurement department because they say it is slowing down preparations for an important summit. The councillors think the procurement department is being selfish and not allowing progress for the city. They say it is a national sabotage and they need to fix the problem. However, the mayor says that preparations are going well and they are almost ready for the summit. They have been working hard to make the city look nice for the event by fixing roads, lights, and other things.

Harare Councillors Accuse Procurement Department Of Sabotage

South Africa’s largest political party, the African National Congress (ANC), has rejected a call by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to move the 44th SADC Summit from Zimbabwe to another country.
Last week, the DA urged the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to relocate the summit from Harare, following the Zimbabwean government’s intensified crackdown on democracy activists.
However, addressing reporters over the weekend, acting ANC spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi said South Africa does not “run away from conflict areas” and would instead address the alleged political violence in Zimbabwe as part of the SADC Summit discussions. Said Godlimpi:
<blockquote>
On the issue of the Zimbabwe situation, we have noted reports that some political parties in South Africa suggest that that should lead to a rescheduling of the SADC Summit that is going to be held in Harare.
The ANC does not agree with that stance. If there are issues arising in Zimbabwe that require the intervention of the SADC community, it would have to happen including as part of the summit itself.
South Africa has never been in a position where we ought to run away from areas of conflict and say our best way of engaging in solving conflict is to pull away.
If South Africa has to go there to help in any situation or if there are concerns about political violence, we will do it in Zimbabwe and now away.
</blockquote>
In a statement issued on Friday, 02 August, the DA’s spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation, Emma Louise Powell MP, called on SADC to move its 44th Summit scheduled to be held on 17 August 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe, to a different location. She said:
<blockquote>
The Democratic Alliance calls on the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, to exercise South Africa’s right as a member of SADC and urgently demand that the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government – scheduled to be held on 17 August 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe, be moved to a different location.
The DA makes this call following multiple reports of yet another state-sponsored clampdown on pro-democracy activists by a paranoid ZANU-PF regime, fearing public protests in the lead-up to the summit.
The SADC’s founding treaty mandates member states to act in accordance with the principles of “human rights, democracy and the rule of law.”
ZANU-PF illegitimate regime in Harare has yet again violated these principles with impunity in the lead-up to the summit.
</blockquote>
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South Africa's ANC, a big political party, said no to the idea of moving a meeting from Zimbabwe to another country. The meeting is about African countries working together. Another group wanted the meeting moved because of problems in Zimbabwe, like hurting people who want democracy. But ANC says they won't run away from problems, they will try to help in Zimbabwe. The two groups have different ideas on how to deal with the situation. The meeting will still happen in Zimbabwe, but the topic of the problems will be discussed.

South Africa's ANC Rejects Call To Move SADC Summit From Zimbabwe

Namatai Kwekweza, the recipient of the prestigious Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize in 2023, along with three other Zimbabwean activists – Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi, and Vusumuzi Moyo – have been remanded in custody after being arrested at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Wednesday.
The four activists were dragged out from a plane at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Wednesday and arrested by state security agents.
They have been charged with disorderly conduct and were brought before the Harare Magistrates Court on Friday.
Magistrate Ruth Moyo has ordered the activists to remain in custody until their bail application is heard on Monday, August 5th.
The prosecution has indicated that it needs to call the investigating officer and file written submissions opposing bail. Their lawyer, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa said:
<blockquote>
It’s been alleged that they were part of alleged demonstrators who demonstrated at this courtroom premise on the 27th of June 2024.
We laid several complaints regarding the manner in which our clients were arrested at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport, in relation to the torture, which they were subjected to before surrendering to the police officers.
The prosecution made an application that the bail application be postponed to Monday, which we were not agreeable to because we were ready to be heard on bail and we were on the court premises.
They were subjected to torture in the form of physical assault, as well as mental torture, and psychological torture and they also had their mobile phones forcibly taken away from them.
Robson Chere is injured, we notified the court that the doctor advised him that he requires immediate hospitalisation and medical attention.
</blockquote>
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), one of the questions asked by their interrogators was: “What demonstrations were planned during the SADC Summit?”
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Namatai Kwekweza, a respected activist, and three others were arrested in Zimbabwe. They were accused of causing trouble and appeared in court. The activists have to stay in jail until Monday for a bail hearing. They were treated badly by the police and one of them is hurt and needs medical help. They were asked about planned protests during a summit. The situation is being watched by human rights lawyers. The activists are fighting for their rights and need support.

Namatai Kwekweza, Three Other Activists To Spend Weekend Behind Bars

South Africa’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has urged the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to move its 44th Summit from Zimbabwe.
The DA, which is part of South Africa’s coalition government, made this call following the Zimbabwean government’s intensified crackdown on democracy activists.
In a statement issued on Friday, 02 August, the DA’s spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation, Emma Louise Powell MP, condemned the ZANU-PF government’s repression of civil society.
She argued that hosting the SADC Summit in Zimbabwe would be inappropriate given the country’s deteriorating human rights situation. Said Powell:
<blockquote>
The Democratic Alliance calls on the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, to exercise South Africa’s right as a member of SADC and urgently demand that the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government – scheduled to be held on 17 August 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe, be moved to a different location.
The DA makes this call following multiple reports of yet another state-sponsored clampdown on pro-democracy activists by a paranoid ZANU-PF regime, fearing public protests in the lead-up to the summit.
The SADC’s founding treaty mandates member states to act in accordance with the principles of “human rights, democracy and the rule of law.”
ZANU-PF illegitimate regime in Harare has yet again violated these principles with impunity in the lead-up to the summit.
</blockquote>
Powell cited recent examples of the Zimbabwean government’s crackdown on opposition and civil society.
This includes the detention of CCC faction leader Jameson Timba and 77 other opposition activists since 16 June, who were charged with holding an “unauthorised political meeting”.
Powell also pointed to the arrest of four democracy activists who were removed from a plane at Robert Mugabe International Airport and charged with disorderly conduct. She said:
<blockquote>
By abusing state machinery to violate the rights of Zimbabweans, the unrepentant ZANU-PF regime has demonstrated that it is prepared to go to any lengths to violate the law in order to entrench its authoritarian rule. South Africa, and by extension the SADC, have an obligation to hold the Zimbabwean government to account.
Allowing the summit to proceed under the current circumstances will not only endorse ZANU-PF’s flagrant abuse of international law but further undermine the principles upon which SADC was established.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s upcoming SADC Chairmanship is a testament to the continued failure of regional leaders to hold these political thugs to account.
South Africa, as a leading member of SADC, must now take a firm stand to uphold international law and advocate for the summit to be moved to a location that upholds and respects democratic values.
This action would send a clear message that South Africa, as a member of the SADC, will no longer tolerate the suppression of democratic freedoms on our doorstep.
</blockquote>
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The Democratic Alliance in South Africa wants the SADC Summit moved from Zimbabwe because of crackdowns on democracy activists. They say it's not right to have the summit there because of human rights issues. The DA wants the Minister of International Relations to demand the change. They are worried about the repression in Zimbabwe and believe the summit should be held in a place that respects democracy. They are calling on South Africa to take a firm stand against the suppression of democratic freedoms in the region.

SADC Summit Venue Must Be Changed From Zimbabwe, Says SA's Democratic Alliance

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has strongly condemned the Zimbabwean government’s intensified crackdown on human rights defenders.
Several activists, including Robson Chere, the Secretary General of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), Namatai Kwekweza, the leader of the WeLead Trust, Samuel Gwenzi, the Harare City Council’s Ward 5 councillor, and Vusumuzi Moyo, were recently abducted, tortured, and then released to the police.
During their incommunicado detention, which lasted at least 8 hours, Chere was allegedly subjected to severe torture. When he appeared in court on Friday, he seemed to be in severe pain.
In a statement issued on Friday, 02 August, WCC General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to address these egregious violations that undermine Zimbabwe’s constitution and international human rights law.
Pillay called for the immediate release of the detained human rights activists. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
It has been reported to the WCC that recently three civil society leaders were taken out of a plane at the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare, were severely tortured, and then released to the police the following day.
These arrests follow recent reports of clampdown and closure of civil society space in the context of the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting starting in Harare on 17 August.
We reiterate the WCC’s commitment to the people of Zimbabwe that goes back to the WCC’s Programme to Combat Racism through which the WCC supported Zimbabwe’s liberation from colonialism. We stood with Zimbabweans in the past; we will stand with them today.
The WCC condemns in strongest terms all forms of torture and clampdown on civil society and calls on President Mnangagwa to address these violations that undermine the constitution of Zimbabwe and international human rights law and release the detained human rights activists.
The WCC seeks to amplify the recent statement by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches at its 47th General Assembly, regarding the “politically fragile and polarized political environment” and its call to the nation to recommit to “constitutionalism” and the rule of law.
The WCC urges the SADC to provide leadership in addressing outstanding governance grievances that threaten the instability of Zimbabwe and the region.
The WCC prays for peace, freedom of speech, and the upholding of human rights and dignity in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
The ZANU PF government has launched a crackdown on pro-democracy campaigners and opposition activists, apparently out of fear that they may engage in protests during the 17 August 44th SADC Summit in Harare, potentially embarrassing the government.
This crackdown represents a troubling escalation of the Zimbabwean government’s suppression of dissent and civic freedoms ahead of a high-profile regional event.
By targeting pro-democracy voices, the ZANU PF administration seems intent on silencing criticism and maintaining a veneer of stability, even if it comes at the expense of fundamental human rights.
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The World Council of Churches is upset because Zimbabwe is treating human rights defenders badly. Some activists were kidnapped, tortured, and then let go to the police. The World Council of Churches wants President Mnangagwa to stop this and release the activists. They are also worried about the upcoming SADC meeting in August. Zimbabwe is cracking down on democracy campaigners because they fear protests. This is making it hard for people to have a voice. The World Council of Churches wants peace, freedom of speech, and human rights in Zimbabwe.

World Council Of Churches Condemns Zimbabwe's Crackdown On Human Rights Defenders

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has refuted reports that public gatherings had been banned in the lead-up to the upcoming 44th SADC Summit scheduled for August 17 in Harare.
In a statement issued on Friday, 02 August, Nyathi said the claims as false and urged members of the public to adhere to the country’s laws while engaging in various activities. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses social media postings alleging that the Government of Zimbabwe has banned or prohibited public gatherings due to the forth coming Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit. This is false.
The public should dismiss this false information with the contempt it disserves. The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to observe the country’s laws whilst conducting various activities in order to assist in the maintenance of law and order.
</blockquote>
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The police in Zimbabwe say that public gatherings are not banned for an upcoming event. They say it is not true and people should follow the country's rules. Some people on social media spread false information, but the police are asking people to ignore it. They want everyone to follow the laws to keep order in the country. People can still gather for events, despite what some people are saying. The police want everyone to stay calm and obey the rules.

Public Gatherings Not Banned - ZRP

The Zimbabwean government has accused Western-aligned organisations of secretly funnelling thousands of dollars to opposition elements to stage demonstrations during the SADC Summit scheduled to be held in Harare on August 17, 2024.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/violence-mongers-to-be-dealt-with-decisively-govt/">The Herald</a>, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), George Charamba, alleged that the Oppenheimer-funded Brenthurst Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were financing opposition activists to undermine peace and stability during the regional summit.
Charamba warned that those who seek to collaborate with foreign organisations to disrupt the event will be dealt with harshly. He said:
<blockquote>
For some time, the Government has been aware of the collusion between the Oppeinheimers’ Brenthurst Foundation and USAID in seeking to subvert our hard-won peace.
What is even more worrisome is that these organisations seem to find willing partners within our country, who previously had a brush with the law.
It would appear they haven’t learnt their lessons. They should know that the Government is not just willing but is capable of delivering to them a lesson that is handsomely appropriate.
It is treachery for a Zimbabwean to collude with a foreign organisation in the hope of undermining the country’s peace, it is worse when the Government considers the organisation hostile.
</blockquote>
Charamba said all non-governmental organisations and political actors in the country have been advised to notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade or the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare if they are approached by “hostile foreign elements”.
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The government of Zimbabwe is warning that people who protest during the SADC Summit will be punished. They say groups from other countries are giving money to opposition to cause trouble. It is wrong to work with foreign groups against Zimbabwe. The government will teach them a lesson. They say NGOs and political groups should tell the government if they are asked to work against Zimbabwe. The summit will happen in August 2024. The government is serious about stopping protests and keeping peace.

Govt Threatens Harsh Crackdown On Protests During SADC Summit

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold the 44th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe on 17 August 2024.
The 44th SADC Summit will be held under the theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC.” 
The theme calls for the region to collectively harness science, technology and innovation to support the modernisation and industrialisation of the SADC region.
During the 44th SADC Summit, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will take over the chairpersonship of SADC from Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.
Among some of the key issues, the 44th SADC Summit will receive the report of the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation; review progress on the implementation of the priorities of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030; receive update of the Food Security and the Impact of the El Nino-Induced Drought and floods in SADC Region; and progress on the implementation of the 43rd SADC Summit Theme which is “Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in the SADC Region”.
The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall policy direction and control of functions of the Community, ultimately making it the policy-making institution of SADC. 
The Ordinary SADC Summit is held annually and attended by Heads of State and Government from the SADC Member States.
The Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 44th SADC Summit will be broadcast live on 17 August 2024 by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) which can be accessed on Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) Channel 280. 
For broadcasters who want to get the clean feed from ZBC, details on the coordinates will be provided in due course.
The following meetings will precede the 44th SADC Summit:
<blockquote>
7th SADC Industrialisation Week, 28 July – 02 August, Harare International Conference Centre 
Senior Officials and Finance Committee Meeting, 08 -11 August, New Parliament Building
SADC Council of Ministers Meeting, 13 – 14 August, New Parliament Building
SADC and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) Investment Forum and Exhibition, 14 August, Harare International Conference Centre
SADC Public Lecture, 15 August, University of Zimbabwe Diamond Lecture Theatre
SADC Organ Troika Ministerial Committee and SADC Organ Troika Summit, 16 August, New Parliament Building
Visit Geo Pomona Waste Management and Museum of African Liberation, 18 August 
</blockquote>
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SADC, a group of countries in southern Africa, will have a meeting in Zimbabwe on August 17th. The meeting will focus on using innovation to help the region grow and develop. The President of Zimbabwe will take over as the leader of SADC. They will discuss important topics like food security, industrialization, and modernization. The meeting will be broadcast live on TV. Before the main meeting, there will be other smaller meetings to prepare. This meeting is important for making decisions that will help all the countries in southern Africa work together better.

SADC To Hold 44th Summit Of Heads Of State And Government In Harare On 17 August

Vendors in Harare have expressed strong dismay over the government’s plans to remove them from the central business district (CBD) ahead of the upcoming SADC (Southern African Development Community) Summit scheduled for next month.
The government intends to clear the Harare CBD of street vendors to enhance the city’s image and ensure a clean and orderly environment for the regional event.
Street vending has become a vital source of livelihood for many Zimbabweans, especially in the context of the country’s struggling economy.
With limited formal employment opportunities and a high rate of unemployment, informal trading has become a crucial means of survival for a significant portion of the population.
Vendor representatives argue that street vending is the only viable means of earning a living for many and that the government’s plans to relocate them will have a devastating impact on their ability to support themselves and their families.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200029643/vendors-govt-head-for-showdown-over-sadc-swoop">NewsDay</a>, Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy secretary-general Wisbon Malaya said:
<blockquote>
The vendors are being left behind and viewed as objects or garbage. Chasing vendors from their workplaces is further impoverishing the already poor. The implications are multiple especially this year when the country is in a drought disaster state.
Harassment, confiscation of goods, arrests and corrupt practices happening on vendors only refers to the re-invention of the colonial era.
We seek dialogue with the forces that be to find an amicable solution to the situation without abusing the vulnerable citizens.
</blockquote>
Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation executive director Samuel Wadzai said:
<blockquote>
We saw the pronouncements by the government about its plans to remove vendors. Our view is that this is ill-informed.
Why should we obliterate the livelihoods of our people simply because we want to see clean streets?
If they say they no longer need people on the streets, they should provide alternatives and identify suitable spaces so they can operate from there.
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Zimbabwe is scheduled to host the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in August 2024 in Harare where leaders from the 16 SADC Member States will convene to discuss regional policies, economic development, and cooperation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Vendors in Harare are upset because the government wants to move them out of the central business area before a big meeting. Selling things on the street helps many Zimbabweans who can't find other jobs. Vendors say this change will make it hard for them to take care of themselves and their families. They want to talk to the government and find a good solution. They think the government should give them other places to sell their things. The big meeting is important, but the vendors hope to find a way to keep their jobs too.

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