By Thapelo Molefe
Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders have placed the worsening security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the centre of regional security talks in Durban, calling for renewed collective efforts to secure a lasting political solution.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi said on Sunday that the regional bloc remained committed to safeguarding peace, strengthening democratic governance and advancing sustainable development across Southern Africa.
He made the remarks at the Ordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit, held ahead of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, which takes place on Monday and will be chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Magosi said the regional bloc remained committed to safeguarding peace, strengthening democratic governance and advancing sustainable development across Southern Africa.
“While encouraging progress has been achieved, the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains deeply concerning,” Magosi said.
“We therefore reaffirm our support for all efforts aimed at securing a peaceful, durable, and political solution that restores stability, protects human life, and creates the conditions for sustainable peace and development.”
The DRC conflict was among several political and security developments considered by SADC over the past year.
Magosi said the bloc had continued to use preventive diplomacy, dialogue, mediation and conflict prevention initiatives to respond to political and security challenges in member states.
“Particular attention has been directed towards developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Madagascar,” he said.
“These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and to supporting Member States facing complex political and security challenges.”
Magosi also highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and extended condolences to families and communities affected by violence and hardship.
The DRC has faced public health challenges during the period under review, including an outbreak of Bundibugyo Virus Disease.
Magosi said SADC member states responded through humanitarian assistance, technical support and health interventions.
“These actions demonstrate the strength of our regional cooperation and our commitment to standing together during times of crisis,” he said.
He said the region remained generally stable and free from inter-state conflict, while acknowledging that several countries continued to face political and security challenges.
Regarding Mozambique, Magosi welcomed the launch of an Inclusive National Dialogue following the 2024 elections, saying it was an important step towards national cohesion, democratic participation and political consensus.
He also said progress was being made in addressing the security situation in Cabo Delgado through security measures, development initiatives and regional cooperation.
SADC continued to support dialogue in Madagascar and national reconciliation through diplomatic engagement, mediation and the work of its Panel of Elders, he said.
Magosi said progress had been made towards constitutional reform, democratic governance and the restoration of political stability.
The planned establishment of a SADC Liaison Office in Madagascar was also highlighted as part of the bloc’s continued involvement.
Democratic governance and elections were another focus of the SADC Organ’s work over the past year.
Magosi said SADC Electoral Observation Missions had been deployed to Malawi, Seychelles, Tanzania and Zambia, with the latest mission observing Zambia’s elections held on 13 August.
“These missions reaffirm our commitment to credible, transparent, and peaceful electoral processes while identifying opportunities for further strengthening democratic institutions and electoral systems across the region,” he said.
SADC is also progressing with the establishment of a Regional Logistics Depot for the SADC Standby Force in Botswana.
Magosi said the facility would strengthen the region’s ability to respond to peace support operations, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters.
“It represents an important investment in regional preparedness, resilience, and collective security,” he said.
The Troika Summit also marked a leadership transition within the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Magosi thanked outgoing chairperson Tanzania and President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the country’s contribution to regional peace and security, particularly its role in peace efforts in eastern DRC and the orderly withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) through Chato.
He congratulated Eswatini’s King Mswati III, who is set to assume the chairpersonship of the Organ.
“We look forward to working closely with His Majesty in advancing our shared objectives of peace, security, democratic governance, and regional stability,” Magosi said.
He also praised Malawi President Arthur Peter Mutharika for his leadership of the Organ during his tenure.
Magosi said the Organ had continued to provide strategic direction in addressing regional peace and security priorities under Mutharika’s leadership.
“Repeatedly, SADC has demonstrated that when we act in unity, solidarity, and shared purpose, we can overcome adversity, build resilience, and advance the well-being of our people,” he said.
Second Vice-President of Malawi Enock Kanzingeni Chihana, speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, said the recommendations adopted at the meeting would provide strategic guidance for the region’s peace and security efforts.
“The recommendations adopted during this Meeting will provide strategic guidance to our region in pursuit of peace and security and entrenchment of a culture of democracy and people centred governance,” Chihana said.
He said the discussions had demonstrated SADC’s collective resolve to address regional challenges through dialogue, cooperation and solidarity.
“The frank and insightful exchanges we have just held reaffirm SADC’s enduring commitment to promoting peace, security, democratic governance, and stability across our region,” Chihana said.
Chihana urged member states to remain united and implement the decisions taken at the meeting.
“Together, we can continue to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Southern African Community for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.
He also thanked Tanzania for its three-year tenure as a member of the Troika, including its chairship of the Organ from 2024 to 2025.
Chihana said Tanzania had led the region through a period of significant activity and challenges linked to the security situations in Mozambique and eastern DRC.
“The URT served the region very well with dedication at a time when the region experienced intense activities and also challenges emanating from the situation in Mozambique, and eastern DRC,” he said.
Tanzania also led several SADC Electoral Observation Missions during its tenure.
Chihana praised Eswatini for its cooperation during Malawi’s chairship and said the incoming chair had already demonstrated its readiness to take on responsibilities within the Organ.
He pointed to Eswatini’s leadership of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission to Malawi after the country joined the Troika as incoming chair, as well as its subsequent deployments to Tanzania and Seychelles.
“We are, therefore, confident that we are leaving the mantle in good and tested hands as the Kingdom assumes the Chairship of the Organ Troika,” Chihana said.
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