The Head of State, Félix Tshisekedi, participated today in an extraordinary summit of the Troika of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to discuss the modalities for the deployment of SADC troops in eastern DRC. This meeting, which was held by videoconference, follows several previous meetings where this issue was discussed.
During his speech, President Tshisekedi stressed the urgency of the security situation in North Kivu and insisted on the need to restore order and security in the region. He also highlighted the constraints faced by IDPs, who are unable to return home and thus risk not being able to exercise their right to participate in the upcoming general elections in the DRC. The SADC Chairman-in-Office therefore pleaded for a rapid and effective implementation of the joint roadmap of the Nairobi and Luanda Processes, as well as of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme, with the support United Nations.
The future intervention of the SADC force in the DRC is in line with the duty of assistance of this sub-regional organization in favor of its members who encounter security problems. President Tshisekedi also stressed the need for a contribution from the international community to fund SADC peacekeeping missions.
Furthermore, during this summit, the SADC Troika noted the significant progress made by the regional force of the “SADC Mission in Mozambique” in the province of Cabo Delgado in the Republic of Mozambique, which considerably reduced the offensive capacities of the terrorist groups. The Troika expressed its wish for a contribution from the international community to financially support SADC peace missions.
This meeting, chaired by Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia and Chairman of the SADC Organ for Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation, brought together the troop contributing countries of the United Nations Force, SADC Personnel Contributing Countries Mission in Mozambique and the Republic of Mozambique.
This commitment of SADC in the resolution of security problems in the DRC and in the region demonstrates the importance of strong regional cooperation to guarantee peace and security in Africa. President Tshisekedi, in his capacity as Chairman-in-Office of SADC, continues to take measures to address these security challenges and works for the stability and development of the DRC..
The deployment of SADC troops in eastern DRC is an essential step in restoring order and security in the region, thus allowing displaced populations to return to their homes and actively participate in the upcoming electoral processes. International and regional cooperation is a key element in addressing security challenges in the DRC and in Africa, and SADC plays a crucial role in this process.
In conclusion, the Extraordinary SADC Troika Summit provided an opportunity to discuss the modalities for the deployment of SADC troops in eastern DRC and to underline the urgency of restoring order and security in the region. President Tshisekedi pleaded for a rapid implementation of existing agreements and called for a contribution from the international community to fund SADC peace missions