The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has sounded the alarm over the rapidly deteriorating security landscape in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), urging militant factions to honor the Doha and Washington peace agreements endorsed by the African Union (AU).
Regional bloc demands urgent adherence to ceasefire commitments
The emergency virtual summit of the SADC Troika on Politics, Defense, and Cooperation in Security, chaired by Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, Malawi’s Second Vice President representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika, convened on June 22 to address escalating instability in both Madagascar and the DRC. The regional body reaffirmed its commitment to preserving peace, strengthening democratic governance, and bolstering regional stability.
A key focus of the meeting was the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC, where ongoing hostilities between government forces and rebel groups have exacerbated humanitarian crises and undermined regional cooperation efforts. SADC leaders emphasized the critical need to reinforce African-led crisis prevention and resolution mechanisms to safeguard collective security across member states.
Calls for immediate ceasefire amid rising tensions
A statement from the summit highlighted the resurgence of Ebola outbreaks in eastern DRC alongside the resurgence of armed conflict, warning that unchecked instability threatens not only national peace but also the broader objectives of regional integration. The Troika explicitly called on all conflict parties to uphold the ceasefire provisions outlined in the Doha and Washington agreements, stressing that African-led peace processes—backed by international support—remain vital for achieving lasting stability.
The communiqué underscored the urgency of bridging the gap between diplomatic progress and ground realities, noting that prolonged delays in implementation risk further entrenching divisions. Despite multiple peace initiatives, including the Washington and Doha processes, tangible progress on the ground has remained elusive, with each party interpreting key provisions differently.
Roadmap for peace to be reviewed at upcoming SADC summit
The Troika formulated a series of recommendations that will be presented for approval at the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of heads of state and government, scheduled for August 16–17, 2026, in Durban, South Africa. The summit will mark the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional bloc, following the political crisis in Madagascar that led to the removal of former President Andry Rajoelina in October 2025.
This high-level meeting follows a series of diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability in eastern DRC, including the Washington and Doha accords. However, persistent violence and non-compliance with ceasefire terms continue to undermine these initiatives, leaving civilians in increasingly vulnerable positions.
The SADC’s renewed push for adherence to existing peace agreements signals a critical moment for regional diplomacy, with expectations high that the upcoming summit will yield concrete steps to de-escalate the crisis and restore security in the troubled region.
