By Ntombi Mhlongo
The Executive Secretary of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Elias Magosi has said that the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to be a concern.
Magosi was speaking during the official opening of the Extra-Ordinary Organ Troika Summit in Windhoek, Namibia on Monday. He mentioned that while the organ is making strides in the restoration of peace and security in Cabo Delgado Province in Northern Mozambique, through the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), is, regrettably, noticing a very disturbing security situation in Eastern DRC, with a dramatic deterioration of the humanitarian situation due to the resurgence of the M23 rebellion and Illegally Armed Groups.
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He said the armed groups have in the past year, intensified their acts of violence and increased their activities, leading to the displacement of the population, particularly in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri Provinces.
Magosi said the acts of hostilities and attacks undermine the sovereignty and integrity of the DRC and make it difficult for the DRC to pursue its developmental agenda for the benefit of its citizens.
“This calls for immediate collective action in support of the DRC to restore peace and security in the eastern part, particularly at this critical time when the DRC is preparing for national elections scheduled to be held in December this year,” he said.
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He said a solution should be found, as soon as possible, that enables a central coordination framework to be established to ensure optimal utilisation of our scarce resources, leverage synergies and avoid duplication of efforts, and achieve the ultimate and common goal, which is to restore peace and security in the Eastern DRC.
“There is no doubt that achieving lasting peace and security in eastern DRC will pave the way for the country’s meaningful economic and social progress, and for its meaningful contribution to the regional integration agenda, leading up to a peaceful, more integrated, and prosperous region,” he emphasised.
