The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is poised to host an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on 30th January 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe, to address the deteriorating security situation in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Chaired by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and current Chairperson of SADC, the summit underscores the regional bloc’s unwavering commitment to resolving one of Africa’s most protracted and complex conflicts. The eastern DRC, a region rife with armed insurgencies, resource exploitation, and humanitarian crises, remains a critical flashpoint threatening the stability of Southern Africa.
This high-level assembly follows the outcomes of the Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Organ Troika, held on 28th January 2025, which included the DRC and Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). The Organ Troika Summit was chaired by Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation. The preliminary discussions at this meeting highlighted the urgency of a cohesive regional strategy to stabilise the eastern DRC, where militant groups such as the M23 continue to wreak havoc, displacing millions and perpetuating cycles of violence.
The eastern DRC’s instability is not merely a Congolese predicament but a regional conundrum with far-reaching implications. The conflict has drawn in neighbouring states, either as mediators or alleged supporters of armed factions, complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace. The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), comprising troops from member states, has been pivotal in supporting the Congolese government’s efforts to restore order. However, the mission’s effectiveness has been hampered by logistical constraints and the sheer complexity of the conflict, necessitating a reinvigorated regional approach.
The Harare summit will be preceded by meetings of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials and the SADC Council of Ministers. These preparatory sessions are integral to aligning technical and ministerial perspectives, ensuring that the Heads of State and Government are presented with meticulously crafted recommendations. This structured approach reflects SADC’s commitment to multilateralism and evidence-based decision-making, hallmarks of its conflict resolution framework.
Key agenda items for the summit are expected to include the reinforcement of SAMIDRC’s mandate, the mobilisation of additional resources for peacekeeping operations, and the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the conflict. The summit will also likely explore diplomatic channels to engage non-state actors and neighbouring countries, some of whom have been implicated in exacerbating the crisis. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, SADC aims to create a conducive environment for sustainable peace in the DRC.
The choice of Harare as the host city is emblematic of Zimbabwe’s leadership role within SADC during this critical juncture. President Mnangagwa’s chairmanship of the bloc has been characterised by a proactive stance on regional security issues, and his stewardship of the summit is expected to galvanise SADC’s collective resolve. Zimbabwe’s historical ties to the DRC, coupled with its diplomatic acumen, position it as a pivotal actor in the quest for stability in the region.
The outcomes of the summit will have profound implications for SADC’s credibility as a regional organisation capable of addressing intricate security challenges. The bloc’s ability to broker peace in the DRC will not only enhance its stature on the African continent but also strengthen its partnerships with international organisations such as the African Union and the United Nations. These alliances are indispensable for securing the financial and logistical support required to sustain peacekeeping missions and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
As the region anticipates the outcomes of the summit, there is cautious optimism that SADC’s concerted efforts will yield tangible results. The eastern DRC’s security crisis is a multifaceted issue that demands a multifaceted response, and the Harare summit represents a critical step towards achieving this objective. By convening Heads of State and Government, SADC is sending an unequivocal message that regional stability is a shared responsibility, and that collective action is the most efficacious means of addressing shared challenges.
In conclusion, the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare is a watershed moment for SADC and the broader Southern African region. It epitomises the bloc’s steadfast commitment to peace and security, as well as its determination to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time. The summit’s outcomes will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the DRC and the region, underscoring the imperative of sustained engagement and collaboration in the pursuit of enduring peace.
