SADC urges strict compliance with Doha and Washington agreements amid eastern DRC security crisis
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has convened an extraordinary virtual summit to address the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The meeting, chaired by Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, second Vice-President of Malawi and representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika, focused on reviewing regional security and political dynamics, with particular attention to Madagascar and the DRC.
Regional body reaffirms commitment to peace and stability
The SADC summit emphasized its dedication to preserving peace, strengthening democracy, and promoting stability and regional integration. Leaders of the SADC Troika on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation underscored the need to reinforce African crisis prevention and resolution mechanisms to safeguard collective security.
Deep concern over eastern DRC’s escalating insecurity
During the meeting, SADC participants expressed grave concern over the worsening security situation in eastern DRC, noting that instability threatens both national peace and regional cooperation efforts. All parties involved in the conflict were urged to adhere to commitments made under the Doha and Washington agreements, particularly those concerning the ceasefire.
The summit reiterated the importance of African-led peace processes, supported by international efforts, to achieve lasting stability, resilience, and sustainable peace in the region. The SADC Troika also announced several recommendations to be presented at the upcoming SADC Heads of State and Government Summit.
Key recommendations to be presented at the 46th SADC Summit
The SADC Troika formulated strategic recommendations to be reviewed during the 46th ordinary summit of SADC Heads of State and Government. The summit is scheduled to take place from August 16 to 17, 2026, in Durban, South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. This event will mark the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional economic community, following the interim presidency assumed after Madagascar’s political crisis in October 2025.
Diplomatic efforts and their limitations
The SADC meeting coincides with ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including the Washington agreements and the Doha process, aimed at establishing a durable ceasefire and relaunching dialogue among stakeholders in the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC. Despite these efforts, no tangible progress has been achieved on the ground, as hostilities continue between rebel forces and government troops.
Calls for compliance with peace agreements persist at national, regional, and international levels. However, the persistent gap between diplomatic progress and ground realities remains a challenge. Differing interpretations of the agreements’ provisions by the parties involved continue to undermine their implementation and delay the restoration of stability.
The SADC’s firm stance reflects the urgency of addressing the crisis and restoring peace in eastern DRC, a region plagued by recurring violence and instability.
