SADC calls for urgent action to stabilize eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has convened an emergency virtual meeting of its Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, chaired by Malawi’s second vice-president Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika. The summit, held on June 22, 2026, focused on assessing security and political developments in the region, with particular attention to the deteriorating situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Regional body demands respect for Doha and Washington peace agreements

In a strong statement following the meeting, SADC reaffirmed its commitment to “safeguarding peace, consolidating democracy and promoting regional stability and integration”. The regional organization emphasized the critical need to strengthen African mechanisms for crisis prevention and resolution to preserve collective security across member states.

Growing concerns over DRC’s security crisis

SADC expressed deep concern about the escalating violence in eastern DRC, warning that “instability threatens not only national peace but also regional cooperation efforts”. The organization specifically called on all parties involved in the conflict to honor commitments made under the Doha and Washington agreements, particularly those related to ceasefire provisions.

The communiqué highlighted: “Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Summit expressed profound concern over the resurgence of the Ebola epidemic in the eastern part of the country and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Congolese people. It also noted the deterioration of the security situation in the region, stressing that instability threatens national peace and regional integration.”

Diplomatic efforts yet to translate into field realities

While acknowledging ongoing diplomatic initiatives including the Washington and Doha processes aimed at establishing lasting ceasefires and revitalizing dialogue among conflict stakeholders, SADC noted that “these efforts have yet to produce concrete results on the ground where hostilities continue between rebels and government forces.”

The regional body stressed that African-led peace processes, supported by international efforts, remain essential for achieving sustainable stability, resilience, and lasting peace in the region. It called for immediate implementation of ceasefire provisions and warned that persistent instability could undermine regional integration objectives.

Recommendations to be presented at upcoming SADC summit

The Troika formulated several recommendations that will be submitted for consideration at the 46th ordinary SADC Heads of State and Government Summit. The summit, to be hosted by South Africa in Durban (KwaZulu-Natal province) from August 16-17, 2026, will mark the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional economic community.

The meeting follows a period of interim SADC presidency by South Africa after former Malagasy president Andry Rajoelina was removed from office on October 14, 2025, following a major political crisis in Madagascar.

This SADC intervention occurs against a backdrop of persistent diplomatic attempts to broker peace in eastern DRC, where the security situation continues to deteriorate despite multiple peace initiatives. International observers note that the gap between diplomatic progress and ground realities remains significant, with each party interpreting peace agreement provisions differently, complicating their implementation.