News: The Democratic Republic of Congo and the deployment of SADC troops
The security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to concern President Félix Tshisekedi. At an extraordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which he participated by videoconference, he stressed the urgency of restoring order and security in the North Kivu region.
President Tshisekedi highlighted the constraints faced by IDPs who cannot return home due to continued instability. This situation also prevents these people from exercising their constitutional right to participate in the next general elections.
The deployment of SADC troops in eastern DRC is part of a joint roadmap of the Nairobi and Luanda Processes, as well as the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (PDDRC-S). President Tshisekedi called for an effective and urgent implementation of these initiatives, with the support of the United Nations.
SADC, as a sub-regional organization, has a duty to provide assistance to its members confronted with security problems. President Tshisekedi, as current Chairman of SADC, has advocated for the rapid deployment of troops to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC.
The SADC summit also addressed the security situation in Cabo Delgado province, Republic of Mozambique. The operations carried out by the SADC regional force, SAMIM, have considerably reduced the offensive capabilities of terrorist groups in this region.
The SADC Troika has expressed its wish for a contribution from the international community for the financing of SADC peacekeeping missions. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of Namibia, brought together the troop contributing countries of the Intervention Force of the MONUSCO Intervention Brigade, the personnel contributing countries of SAMIM, as well than the Republic of Mozambique.
With the continuing instability in eastern DRC, it is essential to deploy SADC troops quickly to restore order, security and stability in the region. This will allow internally displaced people to return to their homes and fully participate in the country’s democratic process. The support of the international community in funding SADC peace missions is also crucial for the success of these initiatives