• Security
• Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – 07:56

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened an emergency virtual summit on Monday, June 22, through its Troika on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation. The meeting focused on regional security challenges, with particular emphasis on Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The regional bloc reaffirmed its commitment to “safeguarding peace, consolidating democracy and promoting stability and regional integration.” SADC leaders stressed the need to strengthen African crisis prevention and resolution mechanisms to preserve collective security.

Deep concern over eastern DRC instability

SADC expressed grave concern about the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC, noting that instability “threatens not only national peace but also regional integration and cooperation efforts.” Participants called on all conflict parties to honor commitments made in the Doha and Washington agreements, particularly ceasefire provisions.

Regarding the DRC, the summit expressed deep concern over the resurgence of the Ebola epidemic in the east and reaffirmed solidarity with the Congolese people. It also noted the deterioration of the security situation in the region, emphasizing that instability threatens national peace and regional integration.

“The summit urged all parties to respect the Doha and Washington agreements, particularly ceasefire provisions, and stressed that African-led peace processes, supported by international efforts, remain essential for achieving lasting stability, resilience and sustainable peace,” the SADC communiqué stated.

Recommendations for upcoming summit

To strengthen its involvement in finding solutions, the Troika formulated several recommendations that will be submitted for consideration at the upcoming SADC Heads of State and Government Summit. The 46th Ordinary SADC Summit will take place from August 16-17, 2026 in Durban, South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.

This summit will mark the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional economic community, following Madagascar’s political crisis that led to the removal of former President Andry Rajoelina in October 2025.

The SADC meeting comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including the Washington agreements and Doha process, aimed at establishing lasting ceasefires and reviving dialogue between DRC conflict stakeholders. However, these initiatives have yet to produce concrete results on the ground, where hostilities continue between rebel groups and government forces.

Voices at national, regional and international levels continue calling for all stakeholders to respect the commitments made in peace initiatives. Yet these appeals have so far had little effect, with each party interpreting agreement provisions differently, making implementation increasingly uncertain.