An Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is underway in Harare, driven by pressing issues in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and post-election unrest in Mozambique.
The summit, chaired by SADC chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will assess updates on the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). This mission was launched on December 15, 2023, with a one-year mandate to help restore peace and stability in the DRC, laying the groundwork for sustainable development in the region.
Eastern DRC: A Humanitarian and Security Crisis
The DRC’s eastern region is grappling with severe conflict, marked by clashes between the Congolese army and various rebel groups, including the March 23 Movement (M23). This year, violence has escalated, leading to significant civilian casualties and mass displacement.
Civilians, schools, hospitals, and displacement camps have been deliberately targeted, exacerbating what is already one of the world’s most severe internal displacement crises. Around 7.3 million people are currently displaced, with the humanitarian situation further deteriorated by cholera and measles outbreaks as displaced populations struggle for shelter, food, and healthcare.
Post-Election Tensions in Mozambique
In Mozambique, opposition supporters have staged post-election protests, rejecting the outcome of recent presidential elections. Many of the demonstrations, driven by supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, have turned violent, leading to clashes with police and arrests.
According to Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane, SADC’s Director of the Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Affairs, the regional bloc encourages nations to resolve such crises through their internal mechanisms. If these systems prove inadequate, SADC deploys a panel of former leaders to mediate among stakeholders.
Preparatory Meetings for the Summit
The Extraordinary Summit is being preceded by the SADC Organ Troika Summit, chaired by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar, representing Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who chairs SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation.
Additional preparatory meetings include sessions involving senior SADC officials, the Ministerial Committee of the Organ, and the Council of Ministers, all aimed at coordinating the regional response to the crises.