The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has issued a strong appeal for immediate adherence to peace agreements in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as security conditions continue to deteriorate.

The SADC Troika, led by Malawi’s second vice president Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika, convened an extraordinary virtual summit on June 22 to address security and political challenges in the region, with particular focus on Madagascar and the DRC.

Peace and Stability at Stake in Eastern DRC

The regional bloc reaffirmed its commitment to “safeguarding peace, consolidating democracy, and promoting stability and regional integration.” In a statement following the meeting, SADC leaders emphasized the need to strengthen African-led crisis prevention and resolution mechanisms to protect regional security.

However, the situation in eastern DRC remains a major concern. The SADC noted a significant deterioration in security conditions, warning that instability threatens not only national peace but also regional cooperation efforts. The organization called on all parties involved in the conflict to honor their commitments under the Doha and Washington agreements, especially provisions related to ceasefire implementation.

The SADC summit expressed profound concern over the resurgence of Ebola in eastern DRC and reaffirmed solidarity with the Congolese people. The deterioration of the security situation was highlighted as a critical threat to both national and regional stability.

Diplomatic Efforts Fall Short on the Ground

While diplomatic initiatives such as the Washington agreements and the Doha process aim to establish a lasting ceasefire and revive dialogue between conflicting parties, these efforts have yet to yield tangible results. Violence continues between rebel factions and government forces, highlighting the widening gap between diplomatic progress and ground realities.

Calls from national, regional, and international actors for respect of peace commitments have so far gone unheeded. Each party interprets the agreements differently, further complicating their implementation and delaying the establishment of lasting peace and resilience in the region.

Regional Leaders Prepare Recommendations for August Summit

The SADC Troika formulated several recommendations, which will be submitted for review at the upcoming 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government. The summit, scheduled for August 16–17, 2026, in Durban, South Africa, will mark the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional bloc.

South Africa currently holds interim SADC leadership following the political crisis in Madagascar, where former President Andry Rajoelina was removed from office on October 14, 2025.