On Monday, May 8, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) resolved to send military to eastern DRC in order to reestablish stability.
Written by Chris Muhizi Minembwe Capital News 9:40pm Kinshasa Time
The member nations of this sub-regional organisation met in Windhoek, Namibia, for a special summit that resulted in this decision.
Having taken over territory previously held by the M23 but failing to put an end to the conflict in North Kivu, the SADC’s force will be joined to that of the EAC.
However, neither the exact date nor the number of contingents for the deployment of this regional force have been disclosed.
In order to ensure effective and coordinated action, SADC also urged that Kinshasa fulfil the prerequisites for a coordination summit of all intervening parties and all foreign actors on the ground.
Hage Geingob, the president of Namibia, has urged SADC to join forces with the EAC and other regional organisations to help the Congolese government.
Elias Magosi, the executive secretary of SADC, emphasised that the security situation in eastern DRC is troubling and that the humanitarian situation has gotten worse as a result of the revival of M23 and other armed groups.
Members of the DRC’s government and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) participated at this summit as its representatives. These officials include the Minister of Regional Integration, Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula, the Deputy Prime Minister, & the Generals of the FARDC, who are led by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Christian Tshiwewe Songesha.
