Story by ZBC Reporter
SADC Chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on member states to be cognisant of the humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The bloc’s Chairperson urged member states to continue supporting peacekeeping missions in DRC, adding that the region is ready to intensify efforts to protect the SADC citizens.
President Mnangagwa made the call when he officially opened the SADC Extra-ordinary Summit convened to discuss the volatile situation in DRC.
“SADC condemns in the strongest terms the attacks by aggressor forces.
While we pause to mourn our loss, our resolve to ensure collective security cannot be shaken,” he said.
“The importance of dialogue and peace-building for the benefit of the people of the Eastern DRC must be boldly pursued. To this end, our region stands ready to intensify efforts to protect the SADC citizens from all forms of instability, in line with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact.
“Regrettably, since our last meeting, very little progress has been made in our search for lasting peace in the Eastern DRC, which is now characterised by escalating hostilities and conflict. This culminated in the unfortunate and atrocious attacks carried out on our Mission in Goma, that claimed the lives of several SAMIDRC and MONUSCO peacekeepers, while others sustained serious injuries.
“On behalf of SADC, the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the Member States and families of the brave men and women who lost their lives in the service of the people of DRC, the SADC region and indeed the cause of continental and world peace.”
President Mnangagwa also appreciated the support being rendered by international organisations to the affected communities.
“I wish to thank the Chairperson of the SADC Troika, Her Excellency, President Samia Hassan, and the other members of the Troika as well as Troop Contributing Countries for having convened in Dar es Salaam to deliberate on this very important matter,” he said.
“As we deliberate on our firm and united response, let us not overlook the humanitarian crises stemming from the prevailing armed conflict in Eastern DRC. The plight of the millions of Internally Displaced Populations, cannot, and should not, be ignored.
“SADC appreciates the support rendered by International Cooperating Partners, in response to the critical needs of the displaced populations. However, more must be done to alleviate the situation. The people of the eastern DRC have suffered for far too long.
