Title: Modalities for the deployment of SADC troops in the DRC discussed at an extraordinary summit
Introduction :
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, participated in an extraordinary summit of the Troika of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), by videoconference. The objective of this meeting was to discuss the modalities for the deployment of SADC troops in eastern DRC, in order to restore security and order in the region. In this article, we will come back to the statements of President Tshisekedi, who underlined the urgency of acting in the face of the worrying humanitarian situation in North Kivu and pleaded for the implementation of the Nairobi and Luanda agreements. The article will also discuss the security situation in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province and the advances made by the SADC regional force. Finally, we will discuss the need for funding for SADC peacekeeping missions and the involvement of the international community.
1. Urgent action to restore security in eastern DRC
President Tshisekedi stressed the urgency of restoring order and security in North Kivu, where a worrying humanitarian situation is rife. He recalled that many displaced people cannot return to their homes and risk not being able to exercise their right to participate in the next general elections. The Head of State pleaded for rapid and effective action, by implementing the roadmap of the Nairobi and Luanda agreements, as well as the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (PDDRC-S), with the support of the United Nations.
2. The security situation in the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique
The Troika summit also addressed the security situation in Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique. Operations by the SADC regional force, the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), have considerably reduced the offensive capabilities of terrorist groups active in the region. The Troika expressed the wish for a contribution from the international community for the financing of SADC peacekeeping missions.
3. The need for financing SADC peace missions
The meeting highlighted the need for funding for SADC peacekeeping missions. President Tshisekedi stressed the importance of the contribution of the international community to support SADC’s efforts in regional security and stability. The Troika called for increased international solidarity to ensure the success of SADC peacekeeping operations.
Conclusion :
Extraordinary SADC Troika Summit was an opportunity for President Tshisekedi to advocate for urgent action to restore security in eastern DRC. He called for the implementation of the Nairobi and Luanda agreements and the mobilization of the necessary resources for the SADC peace missions. The Troika also discussed the security situation in the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique and expressed the need for enhanced international solidarity. It now remains to be seen how these discussions will translate into concrete actions on the ground, in order to guarantee security and stability in the region