Swazi Observer

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KING URGES DIPLOMACY OVER MILITARY ACTION TO RESOLVE DRC CONFLICT

By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2025-02-03

In line with the country’s unwavering commitment to dialogue, His Majesty King Mswati III has called for diplomatic engagement over military action as the only sustainable path to resolving the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Represented by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thuli Dladla, His Majesty delivered the country’s position at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extraordinary Summit held in Zimbabwe on Friday.

With the conflict in the DRC escalating and recent clashes claiming the lives of 16 SADC troops, the DPM, on behalf of the monarch, used the platform to underscore the country’s renowned stance on peaceful negotiations.

Leading a delegation that consisted of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, High Commissioner Lindiwe Kunene and Under Secretary (Political Affairs) Vulindlela Kunene, the DPM, representing the Head of State, made it clear that military means alone cannot achieve lasting peace in the region.

Addressing the high-level gathering, she conveyed His Majesty’s firm belief that a holistic and strategic approach is required to bring stability to the DRC.

While acknowledging the sacrifices made by SADC troops, she cautioned against over-reliance on military intervention, arguing that sustainable peace can only be secured through robust diplomatic engagement, inclusive dialogue and strategic peace-building initiatives.

“Eswatini extends its deepest condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. Their sacrifice underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis comprehensively,” said the king.

“It is imperative that SADC upholds its credibility as a peace and security guarantor by ensuring that military engagement is complemented by robust political and diplomatic solutions,” His Majesty added.

The monarch further emphasised that Eswatini, a nation historically committed to peaceful mediation, remains steadfast in its advocacy for negotiations and constructive dialogue.

On that account, the king called for a well-defined strategy for the future of SADC’s Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) that would ensure that regional peace efforts were not solely dependent on armed intervention.

The summit, convened in response to the worsening security situation in eastern DRC, took place just days after the East African Community (EAC) also met to discuss the crisis.

The urgency of the matter was highlighted by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who emphasised that the people of eastern DRC had suffered for far too long and that collective security measures were needed to curb further deterioration.

This came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame engaged in a heated diplomatic standoff over allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels.

Ramaphosa accused Kigali of aiding the rebel movement and demanded a ceasefire, while Kagame vehemently denied the claims, threatening retaliation if South Africa escalates its involvement. In light of these growing tensions, His Majesty called for unity within SADC, warning that divisions among member states could undermine peace efforts.

The king further urged regional leaders to strengthen diplomatic channels and engage all stakeholders, including the DRC government, opposition groups and neighbouring countries, to craft a sustainable resolution.

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