SADC emergency summit held in Tanzania

By The Inspirer.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an emergency summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, bringing together the heads of state of its member countries.

The summit took place on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, and included several heads of state, such as Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, and President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi.

However, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi attended the summit virtually.

A statement released by the Tanzanian president’s office did not mention the specifics of the discussions, but prior to the summit, it was reported that the meeting was focused on security issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the SADC has deployed troops.

The SADC sent troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo after witnessing the M23 rebel group deal heavy blows to the FARDC, the country’s armed forces.

The peacekeeping force, named SAMIDRC, includes troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi and has been stationed in eastern Congo since December 2023, with a mission set to last for one year.

Their mandate includes combating the AFC/M23 rebel group, working alongside the Congolese army, the Wazalendo militia, Burundian forces, and other groups supporting the Congolese government.

However, despite these efforts, M23 has continued to seize control of various areas in Masisi, Rutshuru, Lubero, Goma, Minova, and Walikale.

Recent footage shared on social media shows a South African soldier raising a white flag and requesting a ceasefire from M23 in the ongoing battles.

This incident has been seen as a failure of the SADC mission, with South Africa issuing a hasty statement clarifying the action, which was deemed as a “weakness of the organization.”

The SADC has already lost more than 10 soldiers in the conflict, which continues as the FARDC and other allied forces face off against the AFC/M23 rebel group.