• Security
• Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – 07:56

Concerns Mount as Security Deteriorates in Eastern DRC

The Southern African Development Community (SADC), led by Vice-President of Malawi Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika, convened an extraordinary virtual summit of the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation on Monday, June 22. The meeting focused on reviewing security and political developments in the region, with particular attention to Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

SADC reaffirmed its commitment to “safeguarding peace, consolidating democracy, and promoting stability and regional integration.” Leaders emphasized strengthening African mechanisms for crisis prevention and resolution to preserve collective security.

Critical Situation in Eastern DRC

The regional bloc expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in eastern DRC, noting that instability threatens not only national peace but also regional cooperation efforts. Participants called on all parties involved in the conflict to honor commitments made under the Doha and Washington accords, particularly ceasefire provisions.

“Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Summit expressed its 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, emphasizing that instability threatens national peace and regional integration,” stated the SADC communiqué.

The communiqué continued: “The Summit urged all parties to respect the Doha and Washington agreements, especially ceasefire provisions, and stressed that African-led peace processes, supported by international efforts, remain essential for establishing lasting stability, resilience, and enduring peace.”

Recommendations to Strengthen Regional Peace Efforts

To enhance its role in finding solutions, the Troika of the Organ formulated several recommendations to be submitted for consideration at the upcoming SADC Heads of State and Government Summit. This will be the 46th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to be hosted by South Africa in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, from August 16 to 17, 2026.

This summit will mark the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional economic community, a role it currently holds on an interim basis following Madagascar’s political crisis and the removal of former President Andry Rajoelina in October 2025.

The SADC meeting occurs amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including the Washington agreements and the Doha process, aimed at establishing a durable ceasefire and relaunching dialogue among stakeholders in the long-standing conflict affecting eastern DRC. However, these initiatives have yet to produce tangible results on the ground, where hostilities continue between rebels and government forces.

Despite repeated calls from national, regional, and international voices for adherence to peace agreement commitments, these appeals have so far had little effect. The persistent gap between diplomatic progress on paper and the realities on the ground remains a significant challenge. Each party continues to interpret agreement provisions according to its own perspective, rendering implementation increasingly uncertain.