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:
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.

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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

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has blamed the rebel group M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) for the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in recent days.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said that M23 rebels and RDF forces attacked both the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), leading to the deaths of the South African soldiers, who were part of the peacekeeping force. He said:
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Following the recent intensification of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa has lost 13 brave soldiers who were dedicated to their mission and committed to peace.
The fighting is the result of an escalation by the rebel group M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia engaging the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
On behalf of the government and the people of our country, I express our sincerest condolences to their families, their loved ones and colleagues. We bow our heads in honor of their heroic and gallant fight for peace.
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The South African President said that full support is being provided to the families of the deceased and the injured and that efforts to repatriate the remains of the fallen soldiers are currently underway. He added:
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The attacks on peacekeepers resulted in the deaths of SAMIDRC members from other troop-contributing countries, namely, Malawi and Tanzania, as well as members of the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) brigade.
We honour all the lives that were lost and pass our condolences to their families, governments and citizens.
The situation in Goma and Sake, where our troops and their counterparts are stationed, remains very tense, volatile and unpredictable.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms Angie Motshekga and the Chief of the SANDF Gen Rudzani Maphwanya and SAMIDRC Force Commander Maj Gen Monwabisi Dyakopu are working to ensure that the SAMIDRC forces remain well equipped and sufficiently supported during this critical mission.
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Ramaphosa expressed concern over speculation regarding the condition of the country’s troops in the DRC and the challenges they are facing.
Recent reports have suggested that the soldiers are under-equipped and operating in difficult conditions. Said Ramaphosa:
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We are concerned about the speculation about the state of our troops and the battle conditions. All South Africans must rally behind our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace to our continent.
South Africa’s military presence in the eastern DRC is not a declaration of war against any country or state. The members of the South African National Defence Force that are in the DRC are part of both SADC and United Nations efforts to bring peace and protect thousands of lives that are constantly threatened by the conflict in the DRC.
The presence of the SAMIDRC forces demonstrates a commitment of SADC member states to supporting the DRC in its efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability and ultimately, create an enabling environment for sustainable development and prosperity.
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Ramaphosa commended the United Nations for calling for a ceasefire, the reversal of territorial gains by the M23, and the withdrawal of external forces from the DRC. He said:
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We welcome the position that was recently adopted by the United Nations Security Council during its special sitting on the situation in the DRC, which calls for an immediate end to hostilities, the reversal of territorial expansion by the M23, the exit of external forces from the DRC and the resumption of peace talks under the Nairobi Process.
The territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected in accordance with the United Nations Charter on the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other states.
We call on all parties to this conflict to fully embrace the current diplomatic efforts that are aimed at finding a peaceful resolution, including honouring the Luanda Process agreements.
We must silence the guns on our continent for the attainment of inclusive development and prosperity.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa blames rebel group M23 and Rwandan forces for the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in DRC. The soldiers were part of a peacekeeping mission. Support is given to families of deceased and injured soldiers. Concerns arise about soldiers' conditions and equipment. UN calls for ceasefire and withdrawal of external forces from DRC. South Africa's military presence aims for peace and stability in DRC. Diplomatic efforts are urged for a peaceful resolution. Ramaphosa calls for silencing guns for development and prosperity in Africa.

Ramaphosa Blames M23 And Rwandese "Militia" For Deaths Of 13 South African Soldiers In DRC

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has denied claims that its soldiers deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have surrendered to the M23 rebels.
This follows a video circulating on social media showing a South African soldier raising a white flag.
SANDF clarified that the white flag was raised as part of an agreement to allow M23 to recover their dead and injured near the South African base, a common practice in war to facilitate a truce.
In a statement, the SANDF said that it remains committed to its peacekeeping duties under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).
Fighting has intensified recently, with conflicting reports about the control of the city of Goma. Reads the statement:
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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has noted with concern the widespread circulation of a video on social media accompanied by misleading claims suggesting that SANDF forces surrendered to M23 rebels. We wish to set the record straight.
The footage in question depicts a white flag raised, which is an outcome of discussions between the opposing fighting forces to agree on a truce to allow M23 to recover their dead and injured in the vicinity of our base.
This will also open the route for our troops to access medical facilities. This is common practice in any war. 
Let members of the public not be alarmed by a video clip and its meaning.
The SANDF remains fully committed to its peacekeeping responsibilities under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).
Our troops continue to operate with resolve, courage, and discipline in pursuit of peace and stability in the region.
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Meanwhile, SANDF has confirmed that 13 South African troops were killed while assisting DRC troops in efforts to prevent M23 rebels from overtaking the city of Goma.
Clashes between the Congolese military and M23 rebels have resulted in the deaths of 17 civilians.

The South African military says its soldiers did not surrender to rebels in the DRC. A video shows a soldier raising a white flag, but it was to allow a truce for the recovery of dead and injured. The military is committed to peacekeeping duties in the DRC. 13 South African troops died helping DRC troops defend Goma. Fighting between Congolese military and rebels has killed 17 civilians. The soldiers are working hard for peace and stability in the region.

South African Military Clarifies DRC White Flag Incident

Rebels claim to have taken control of the city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, but the government denies it.
As reported by <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qwlkydxxko">BBC</a>, videos show M23 rebels patrolling Goma after advancing on the Congolese army, causing tens of thousands to flee.
According to local media reports, the streets are now quiet after hours of fighting.
DR Congo’s foreign minister accuses Rwanda of declaring war by supporting M23. Rwanda admits backing M23 but blames DR Congo for supporting anti-Kigali militias.
Kenya calls for a ceasefire and an emergency summit with DR Congo and Rwanda. M23 has controlled parts of eastern DR Congo since 2021 and recently advanced on Goma.
Key roads are blocked, and the airport is closed. The government claims it still controls strategic areas, including the airport. It said:
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Contrary to the manipulative messages circulating on social networks the FARDC [the DR Congo army] hold the Goma airport… and all the strategic points of the capital of the North Kivu Province.
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It added that the army was “more than determined to defend the homeland at the cost of the supreme sacrifice.”
The rebels ordered soldiers to surrender their weapons, imposing a 48-hour deadline that ended early on Monday. UN peacekeepers said some Congolese soldiers had surrendered their firearms before the deadline.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from DR Congo and urged M23 to stop its advance.
He called on Rwanda to “cease support to the M23 and withdraw from DRC territory” and on M23 to “cease all hostile actions and withdraw from occupied areas.”
This followed the death of 13 soldiers serving with peacekeeping forces in clashes with the rebels.
Both DR Congo and the UN say M23 is backed by Rwanda. Rwanda has not denied this but blames DR Congo for the conflict.
At a Security Council meeting, Rwanda’s UN representative, Ernest Rwamucyo, regretted that the international community condemned M23 rather than the Congolese army, which, he said, had violated a ceasefire.
On Saturday, the UN announced it would pull all non-essential staff out of Goma.
M23 was formed in 2012 as an offshoot of another rebel group to protect the Tutsi population in eastern DR Congo, which had long complained of persecution and discrimination.
Rwanda previously said the Congolese authorities were working with those responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide, who fled to DR Congo.
Rwanda’s critics accuse it of using M23 to loot minerals such as gold, cobalt, and tantalum in eastern DR Congo.

Rebels called M23 say they have taken over Goma city in Congo, but the government says they haven't. M23 rebels are supported by Rwanda, but Rwanda blames Congo for supporting anti-Rwandan groups. Kenya wants the fighting to stop and calls for a meeting. The United Nations want Rwanda to leave Congo and for M23 to stop fighting. M23 wants soldiers to give up their weapons. UN peacekeepers had clashes with rebels, and some soldiers died. M23 started in 2012 to protect a group of people in eastern Congo. Rwanda is accused of using M23 to get minerals from Congo.

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