Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

ESWATINI JOINS SADC PLEDGING SUPPORT FOR DRC PEACE

By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2025-03-16

Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has called attention to the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as he virtually represented His Majesty King Mswati III and the nation during an Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Thursday evening.

Joining the summit alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu, and Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr Tambo Gina, the head of government underscored the devastating human toll of the prolonged conflict.

He expressed the country’s profound condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives, including SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) personnel, who he said, demonstrated resilience and courage in the face of immense adversity.

The summit, chaired by Zimbabwe’s President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa in his capacity as Chairperson of SADC, convened to deliberate on the worsening security situation in the DRC.

Leaders from across the region gathered virtually, with notable attendees including President Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the DRC, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, among others.

The premier aligned Eswatini with other members states in supporting a coordinated and phased withdrawal of SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) troops.

This approach aims to ensure the safe return of deployed forces while avoiding a security vacuum that could empower armed groups and further destabilise the region.

The summit acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting the capture of strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu by armed groups and the blockage of key supply routes, which has severely hindered the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.

The PM called attention to the urgency of protecting civilians, ensuring their safe movement, and upholding international humanitarian principles, calling on all parties to cease attacks on civilian infrastructure and guarantee unrestricted access for humanitarian assistance.

The premier further commended the leadership of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who chairs the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, for her pivotal role in spearheading regional peace and security efforts.

Additionally, he recognised President Mnangagwa’s leadership in convening the Extraordinary Summit, which marked a renewed push for regional cooperation towards achieving lasting peace and stability.

Integrity
The premier reiterated the country’s unwavering commitment to supporting the DRC in its pursuit of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and sustainable development.

He affirmed that the country remains dedicated to fostering dialogue and unity, emphasising that peace in the DRC is integral to the broader stability and prosperity of the SADC region.
In their resolutions, SADC leaders reached a decisive resolution to terminate the SAMIDRC mandate, initiating a phased withdrawal of its troops.

The summit reiterated its commitment to a political and diplomatic solution that includes all stakeholders — state and non-state actors, military and non-military groups — to restore peace, security and stability to the eastern DRC.

The regional bloc further underscored the importance of international support, calling on the United Nations, the African Union, and the global community to ramp up humanitarian aid for the displaced and vulnerable populations in the DRC.

The summit expressed its deepest sympathies to the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, mourning the loss of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the mission and extending wishes for a swift recovery to the injured.

In a step towards strengthening peace efforts, SADC reaffirmed its commitment to merging the Luanda and Nairobi processes, which aim to facilitate dialogue among warring factions.

This move, according to the communiqué, seeks to streamline mediation efforts, with the inclusion of additional facilitators to enhance the peace-building framework.

The summit also welcomed the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, which supports regional peace efforts under the African Union, East African Community, Economic Community of Central African States, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, which aims to guide a sustainable, long-term solution to the DRC conflict. As the summit concluded, the chairperson expressed gratitude to all heads of State and government for their collective commitment to addressing the humanitarian and security crisis.

He said the resolution reflected a unified regional stance, acknowledging the resilience of the SAMIDRC forces while setting a clear path towards diplomatic engagement and humanitarian relief.

share story