Published on 18/08/2025
Head of states through the regional block Southern African Development Community (SADC) have placed renewed emphasis on restoring peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The commitment was reiterated during the 45th Ordinary Summit held on 17 August 2025 in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
This came while marking a leadership transition with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan handing over the chairmanship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Hosted by Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, who was elected as the new SADC chairperson, the summit underscored the region’s solidarity in addressing the DRC’s ongoing conflict.
The summit reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to promoting peace, security, and stability in the eastern DRC, welcoming joint mediation efforts by the African Union Commission (AUC), Sadc, and the East African Community (EAC).
This includes integrating the Luanda and Nairobi Peace Processes, while stressing the need for complementarity and harmonisation with other initiatives, such as the Washington Accord 2025 and the Doha Declaration of Principles of 2025.
In a key leadership shift, President Hassan, outgoing Chairperson of the Organ, delivered a comprehensive report on regional political and security developments.
Summit commended her for “exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing peace and security in the region throughout her tenure.”
She handed over the reins to Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera as the new Chairperson.
The gathering paid solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in the Sadc mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), describing their sacrifice as embodying the “highest ideals of solidarity, unity and peace.”
Summit also condemned the spread of misinformation about SAMIDRC’s deployment, reiterating that it was conducted in full compliance with regional and international principles to support member states against external aggression.
Other highlights included congratulations to newly elected leaders in Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and Mauritius, and commendations for Lesotho’s progress in national reforms, leading to its removal from the Organ Troika agenda.
Summit also expressed solidarity with Western Sahara’s quest for self-determination, concern over the Palestinian conflict, and called for the accelerated establishment of the SADC Regional Development Fund.
