Lusaka: Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, has reiterated the regional bloc's unwavering commitment to fostering enduring peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Magosi emphasized this stance during the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Troika of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation meeting, held concurrently with the Heads of State and Government Summit.
According to South African Government News Agency, Magosi highlighted the withdrawal of troops from the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) earlier this year, following a mandate from the Summit in March. Despite this withdrawal, the commitment to sustainable peace efforts in the region remains steadfast. The conflict in the DRC saw government forces clashing with M23 fighters, leading to SADC's involvement through SAMIDRC, which included soldiers from various member countries, such as South Africa. The mission was withdrawn after deadly confrontations claimed the lives of at least 14 South African soldiers, among others.
Magosi discussed the outcomes of the Joint Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and SADC, convened on August 13, to address security challenges in the region. A significant result of this summit was the integration of EAC-SADC and African Union (AU) mediation frameworks into a single, AU-led initiative. This alignment signifies a critical step in harmonizing regional peace efforts and empowering the continental body to lead these initiatives.
During the meeting, ministers deliberated on several pressing issues, including the security and political responses to the conflict in the eastern DRC, the political and security situation in Mozambique, the resolution of the DRC-Zambia border issue, and a review of elections in the region. They also considered mediation, conflict prevention, and preventive diplomacy mechanisms.
Magosi also addressed the importance of implementing recommendations from SADC Electoral Observation Missions (SEOMs) regarding regional elections. He stressed that while absolute perfection in electoral systems might be aspirational, continual improvements are vital for enhancing democratic quality and credibility. Magosi urged member states to systematically implement SEOM recommendations to strengthen electoral frameworks and improve democracy across the region.