SADC leaders reaffirm stance on conflicts in DRC and Gaza

ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR –SADC leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the start of talks to achieve a lasting solution in Gaza.

They have expressed deep concern over ongoing attacks on civilians in Palestine which have caused loss of lives, property destruction and worsening humanitarian conditions.

The call was made during the 45th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit held here on Sunday.

Regarding the DRC conflict, the summit condemned the spread of misinformation about the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), asserting that the deployment complied fully with regional and international principles to counter external aggression.

It paid solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in the mission, highlighting their sacrifice as embodying solidarity, unity and peace within SADC.

The leaders acknowledged the need for complementarity and harmonisation between Africa-led initiatives and others such as the Washington Accord 2025 and Doha Declaration of Principles 2025.

In its communique. the Summit welcomed the joint mediation efforts by the African Union Commission, SADC and East African Community, including integration of the Luanda and Nairobi Peace Processes.