By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Kingdom of Eswatini has highlighted its dedication to regional peace and security, expressing deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla who was representing His Majesty King Mswati III and the nation at the SADC Extraordinary Summit in Zimbabwe, delivered Eswatini’s stance on the crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution that goes beyond military engagement.
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Dladla stressed that lasting peace in the DRC could not be achieved solely through military means, and she advocated for a strategy that incorporates diplomatic efforts and structured peacebuilding initiatives.
She highlighted Eswatini’s belief that SADC’s credibility as a regional peace and security guarantor must be upheld and that the region must remain steadfast in its commitment to a lasting solution in the DRC.
In her address, she highlighted the necessity of a well-defined strategy for the future of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), ensuring that military operations are complemented by political and diplomatic interventions.
The Extraordinary Summit brought together regional leaders to deliberate on the worsening security situation in the eastern DRC,
particularly following the latest reports of attacks by the M23 armed group and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) against the Government Forces of the DRC, SAMIDRC troops, and civilians in North Kivu.
The summit expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation, condemning in the strongest terms the attacks on SAMIDRC troops, which violated the ceasefire brokered through the Luanda Process on July 30, 2024.
Leaders called for the immediate restoration of essential utilities, including water, electricity, communication systems, and supply lines for food and basic necessities.
The summit recognized the sacrifices made by regional peacekeeping forces and extended its deepest condolences to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania for the soldiers who lost their lives during recent attacks in Sake, Eastern DRC while serving under SAMIDRC.
The summit further wished a speedy recovery to the injured troops and called for the urgent repatriation of those who had fallen in service.
Again, the summit recalled its May 2023 decision to deploy peacekeeping forces in the DRC to support peace efforts and safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.
Despite these interventions, the objectives of the mission have yet to be fully realized. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to diplomatic solutions through the Luanda Process, spearheaded by Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço under the African Union, and the Nairobi Process, led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
To strengthen peace efforts, the summit mandated the immediate deployment of ministers of defence, chiefs of defence, and representatives from troop-contributing countries to the DRC to assess the situation and ensure the safety of SAMIDRC forces.
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Moreover, the summit further tasked the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation with engaging all state and non-state actors in the conflict to facilitate a ceasefire and ensure a coordinated humanitarian response.
Leaders urged political and diplomatic stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and strengthen existing peace mechanisms such as the Luanda Process and MONUSCO.
In a show of regional solidarity, the summit commended Madagascar for pledging medical support to those injured and displaced by the conflict, recognizing the need for immediate humanitarian assistance.
