The Southern African Development Community (SADC) decided on May 8, 2023 to send forces to restore peace and security in eastern DRC. The decision was taken during the special summit of the member countries of this sub-regional organization in Windhoek, Namibia. The SADC will be added to the EAC having taken over areas previously occupied by M23 terrorists supported by the Rwandan Armed Forces (RDF), but often criticized by Kinshasa.
The forces suggested by SADC are expected to reinforce the EAC field system. Namibian President Hage Geingob called on SADC to work with the EAC and other regional forces to support the Congolese government. However, the rollout date has not been announced. SADC also recommended that Kinshasa create the conditions required for a coordination summit of all the intervening parties and all the international actors on the ground, in order to achieve effective and harmonized action.
The security situation in eastern DRC is worrying. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reacted to this crisis, announcing the dispatch of a regional force to collaborate with the pre-existing forces on the spot, namely those of the EAC. This decision is a response to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation as a result of the resurgence of M23 and other armed groups.
Félix Tshisekedi, president of the organization attended the summit, accompanied by some members of his government and the FARDC. Their presence was necessary to support the proposal made by Namibian President Hage Geingob to strengthen the system put in place by the EAC.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is an organization that aims to promote the economic development of Southern Africa. Established in April 1980, the organization is headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana.
In sum, SADC’s response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is a major step forward. The union of the forces of the member countries will help to develop an effective and harmonized action for the peace and the security of the populations.