SADC reaffirms commitment to promoting peace & stability in DRC
The 45th Ordinary Summit of SADC heads of state and government, which concluded in Madagascar on Sunday, has also paid tribute to the soldiers who died during the mission.
President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 45th Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC), in Antananarivo, Republic of Madagascar. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN - The Southern African Development Community (SADC) says it remains committed to promoting peace, security and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after withdrawing its troops from the volatile region.
The 45th Ordinary Summit of SADC heads of state and government, which concluded in Madagascar on Sunday, has also paid tribute to the soldiers who died during the mission.
The summit has condemned what it says has been misinformation about the deployment of SADC soldiers to the region, where the South African military lost thirteen soldiers.
Following discussions on a wide range of security issues, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been praised by the summit for exemplary leadership in advancing peace and security in the region.
In its final communique, SADC heads of state have reiterated that the objective of the deployment of regional forces was to support member states in responding to external aggression.
The summit has also reiterated that the deployment was conducted in full compliance with regional and international principles and obligations.
READ: Ramaphosa: SADC is in good hands
Delivering a vote of thanks, President Cyril Ramaphosa also acknowledged Hassan's role as the chair of SADC's organ on politics, defence and security while the region’s troops were stationed in the DRC.
"Admittedly, it was not an easy tenure considering the peace and security missions and challenges whose implementation she had to lead. Her fortitude and unfailing resolve even when these missions were put to unprecedented tests, is truly commendable.
The heads of state summit has also welcomed joint mediation efforts between the African Union Commission, SADC and the East African Community to bring about peace in that region.
Meanwhile, the summit says it will now drop Lesotho from its list of concerns after an amendment to its constitution and the positive progress it has made in addressing the country’s security situation.
The summit has also welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between SADC and Western Sahara, reaffirming its support for self-determination.
South Africa will take over the SADC chairmanship next year.