Southern African summit pledges 'unwavering' support for DRC: Video
Southern African leaders have pledged unwavering support for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following recent territorial gains by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, which captured Goma, the largest city in the DRC's mineral-rich eastern region.
During crisis talks held in Harare, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit called for coordinated efforts between leaders from eastern and southern African nations to address the escalating conflict.
Elias Magosi, Executive Secretary of SADC, emphasised the region's commitment to supporting the DRC. "Summit reaffirmed its solidarity and unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable peace, security, and development," Magosi stated.
Zimbabwe's President and SADC Chairperson, Emmerson Mnangagwa, highlighted the collective responsibility of member states to foster lasting peace in the region. "It is the individual and collective duty of all member states to do much more towards permanently silencing the guns if we are to succeed in achieving these aspirations," Mnangagwa said.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi participated virtually in the summit, which was convened following the deaths of 13 South African and three Malawian soldiers in recent clashes near Goma. These troops were deployed as part of regional peacekeeping operations.
After capturing Goma, M23 rebels advanced southward on Friday, vowing to march all the way to the DRC capital, Kinshasa, raising concerns over further instability in the region.
