Sadc urges respect for doha and Washington accords amid rising insecurity in eastern drc

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has issued a strong call for strict adherence to the Doha and Washington peace accords as insecurity escalates in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The regional bloc’s latest move underscores growing frustration over the persistent failure to implement critical ceasefire agreements that were designed to stabilize one of Africa’s most volatile conflict zones.

The virtual emergency summit, convened on June 22 by the SADC Troika on Politics, Defense, and Cooperation in the Field of Security, was led by Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, Second Vice President of Malawi, representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika. The meeting focused primarily on security threats in Madagascar and the DRC, with particular attention on the deteriorating conditions in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

sadc’s stance on peace and regional stability

The SADC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to “safeguarding peace, strengthening democracy, and promoting regional stability and integration.” In a joint statement, the Troika emphasized the urgent need to reinforce Africa-led mechanisms for crisis prevention and resolution, warning that instability in the DRC poses a direct threat not only to national peace but also to broader regional cooperation efforts.

concerns over renewed violence and failed agreements

During the summit, SADC expressed deep concern over the resurgence of armed hostilities in eastern DRC, noting that the ongoing violence has severely undermined previous peace initiatives. The bloc reiterated the importance of all parties involved in the conflict strictly complying with the ceasefire terms outlined in the Doha and Washington agreements—international frameworks that have yet to yield tangible results on the ground.

“The instability in the eastern DRC threatens not only the country’s peace and security but also the stability of the entire region,” the statement read. “We urge all stakeholders to honor their commitments and prioritize dialogue over confrontation.”

call for enhanced diplomatic action

The SADC Troika has announced that recommendations resulting from the emergency meeting will be presented at the upcoming 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for August 16–17, 2026, in Durban, South Africa. This gathering will mark the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional bloc, following the political crisis in Madagascar that led to the removal of former President Andry Rajoelina in October 2025.

The SADC’s renewed push for compliance comes at a time when diplomatic efforts—including the Washington and Doha processes—have yet to translate into meaningful de-escalation. Despite repeated international calls for restraint, armed groups and government forces continue to engage in sporadic clashes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and displacing thousands of civilians.

Analysts warn that the persistent gap between diplomatic agreements and battlefield realities risks further destabilizing the region, which has already endured decades of conflict and weak governance. “The longer this impasse continues, the harder it becomes to restore trust and achieve lasting peace,” noted a regional security expert.

next steps: accountability and regional coordination

The SADC has called for stronger accountability measures, urging both national authorities and rebel factions to engage in good-faith negotiations. The bloc has also stressed the need for international partners, including the African Union, to support African-led peace initiatives rather than imposing external solutions.

“Peace in the DRC cannot be achieved through military means alone,” the statement concluded. “It requires political will, regional solidarity, and a renewed commitment to the principles of dialogue and reconciliation.”