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:
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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.
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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 SADC Secretariat has announced that three Tanzanian soldiers, deployed under a SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries following an attack by rebels.
In a press release issued by SADC on Monday, April 8, it was reported that a South African soldier passed away while undergoing treatment for health complications at a hospital in Goma, DRC. It reads:
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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) sincerely regrets to inform the public of the passing on of three of its soldiers and three who got injured in the United Republic of Tanzania.
This unfortunate incident happened after a hostile mortar round had fallen near the camp they were staying. SAMIDRC hereby also informs the public of the passing on of a South African soldier who died while receiving treatment due to health challenges in a Hospital in Goma, DRC.
The soldiers were/are deployed under the auspices of SADC as part of a regional response to address the unstable and deteriorating security situation prevailing in the Eastern DRC.
The SADC family expresses its heartfelt condolences to the beloved families and the Governments of the Republic of South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania on the irreplaceable loss of the deceased soldiers and, at the same time, wishes the three injured soldiers speedy recovery.
The SAMIDRC remains focused on carrying out its mandate as per the principle of collective self-defence and collective action outlined in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact (2003).
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The primary objective of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) deployed on December 15, 2023, is to support the Government of the DRC in restoring peace and security in the eastern DRC.
This region has experienced heightened conflicts and instability due to the resurgence of armed groups.
As part of the SAMIDRC, a regional SADC force comprising soldiers from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania collaborates with the Congolese Army (FARDC) to combat these armed groups operating in the eastern DRC.
The deployment of the SAMIDRC aligns with the principle of collective self-defence and collective action outlined in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact (2003).
According to this pact, any armed attack against one of the States Parties is considered a threat to regional peace and security and warrants immediate collective action.
Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu from the Republic of South Africa serves as the Force Commander for the SAMIDRC.
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