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>

Pindula News

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 Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), was held on 20th November 2024, in Harare, Zimbabwe. Below is the Communique of this Extraordinary Summit:
<blockquote>
COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT OF SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT 20th NOVEMBER 2024
1. The Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), hereafter called “Summit” was held on 20th November 2024, in Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe.
2. Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government, or their representatives:
Zimbabwe: H.E. President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, Chairperson of SADC
Botswana: President Duma Gideon Boko
Democratic Republic of Congo: H.E. President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo
Madagascar: H.E. President Andry Rajoelina
Mozambique: H.E. President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi
South Africa: H.E. Paul Shipokosa Mashatile, Deputy President
United Republic of Tanzania: H.E Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council
Eswatini: H.E. The Right Honourable Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini
Namibia: Hon. Dr. Peya Mushelenga, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Zambia: Hon. Mr. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Lesotho: Hon. Limpho Tau, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office
Angola: H.E. João dos Santos Liberdade, Minister of National Defence, Former Combatants and Veterans
Malawi: Hon. Harry Mkandawire, Minister of Defence
Seychelles: Hon. Charles Errol Fonseka, Minister of Internal Affairs
3. Summit was also attended by Ministers from the SADC Member States and the Executive Secretary.
4. The Summit commended the Republics of Mozambique, Botswana and Mauritius for successfully holding peaceful elections and congratulated the newly elected leaders namely, […] President Duma Gideon Boko, of the Republic of Botswana, and Honourable Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister of Mauritius.
5. Summit commended the Republics of Botswana and Mauritius for the orderly and peaceful transfer of power following the elections held on 30th October, 2024 and 10th November, 2024 respectively.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Summit acknowledged the expression of gratitude from His Excellency Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, for SADC’s unwavering support to restore peace and ensure security in the country.
12. Summit commended His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, for his relentless efforts through the Luanda Process to bring lasting peace in eastern DRC and brokering a Ceasefire between the DRC and Rwanda.
13. Summit condemned the persistent violations of the Ceasefire established on 4 August 2024 and called on all parties to fully adhere to their obligations to preserve peace and security in the region.
14. Summit called for enhanced coordinated efforts towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the conflict in the eastern DRC among all relevant stakeholders within the joint framework on coordination and harmonisation of peace initiatives and processes in the eastern DRC as agreed at the Quadripartite Summit held on 27 June 2023 in Luanda, Republic of Angola.
15. Summit received an update from His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President 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.
16. Summit extended its appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and Chairperson of SADC for hosting the Extraordinary Summit and for his commitment towards regional cooperation and attainment of peace, security and stability in the region.
17. The Chairperson of SADC expressed gratitude to all Heads of State and Government for attending the Extraordinary Summit and for the commitment shown to the region and the sustained cooperation towards the consolidation of peace and security.
Done on 20th November 2024 
Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
</blockquote>

The leaders of countries in Southern Africa met in Zimbabwe to talk about elections, peace, and security. They praised Botswana and Mauritius for peaceful elections and changing their leaders peacefully. They extended support to the Democratic Republic of Congo to bring peace and security. They also praised Angola for efforts to make peace in the DRC. The leaders called for all parties to follow a ceasefire to keep peace in the region. They also discussed ways to achieve peaceful solutions in the DRC. The meeting was seen as a way to work together for peace, security, and stability in the region.

Communique Of The SADC Extraordinary Summit | Full Statement

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

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>

SADC Extraordinary Summit Set To Discuss Zimbabwe's Disputed Elections

President Emmerson Mnangagwa was on Tuesday, 31 October expected to attend a virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government.
In an internal communication addressed to all SADC Foreign Affairs ministers, Judith Kateera, SADC deputy executive secretary of corporate affairs confirmed the virtual summit. She wrote:
<blockquote>
Following consultations with the H.E João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and the chairperson of SADC, I wish to humbly convey on behalf of His Excellency that, the Extraordinary summit of SADC Heads of State and Government which was to be convened virtually on 25 October 2023, has now been rescheduled to take place virtually on 31 October 2023.
</blockquote>
Some local media outlets reported that the SADC Extraordinary Summit would discuss recent elections in Zimbabwe and Eswatini as well as the political and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, in a post on X, President Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba said that Extraordinary Summit is a one-item event.
He said the only item that will be discussed at the Extraordinary Summit is the situation in the DRC and the budget for the deployment of a peace-keeping force in the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SADC Convenes Extraordinary Summit

There is ongoing lobbying for the convention of a SADC Extraordinary meeting on Zimbabwe following recent general elections that were condemned by regional and international election observers.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner of the presidential election with 52,6% ahead of CCC’s Nelson Chamisa who received 44% of the vote.
The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) and other international observers said the elections were not free, fair and credible.
Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Ministry’s secretary, Nick Mangwana on Saturday claimed that there was a plot within SADC to push for the convening of an extra-ordinary summit on Zimbabwe. Said Mangwana:
<blockquote>
There is some treacherous lobbying going on by one SADC member state to have an Extraordinary Summit on Zimbabwe. The other members are seeing through this and it’s not going to happen. This agenda being pushed by this member state is not its own. It’s doing a hatchet job for some powerful nations.
</blockquote>
The Institute of Security Studies (ISS), an organisation that claims to provide authoritative research, expert policy advice and capacity building on the African continent, said SADC is unlikely to confront the Zimbabwean government on the recent elections. ISS said:
<blockquote>
ZANU PF can rely on SADC’s collective management style grounded in comradeship and the primacy of stability rather than confrontation or action.
SADC is unlikely to muster the political consensus and willpower to put Zimbabwe back on the bloc’s agenda.
Not all member states will be comfortable with SEOM’s findings, which could set an unwelcome precedent that represents a departure from its previous approach.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, CCC has been lobbying SADC leaders to push for a fresh election that will be supervised by the regional bloc and the African Union (AU).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sadc Latest News

Latest Jobs