Southern African leaders gathered virtually on Thursday to address the intensifying conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on both the deteriorating security situation and the performance of the SADC mission in the region.
During the summit, SADC executive secretary Elias Magoso outlined recent setbacks, noting that the mission—sent to the eastern DRC in December 2023 to help restore peace—has suffered significant casualties.
South Africa, which contributes the bulk of the deployment estimated at over 1,000 troops, lost 14 soldiers in January, while three Malawian troops in the SADC contingent were also killed. Some of these losses occurred during operations conducted by the SADC mission, SAMIDRC, with additional casualties reported from a separate United Nations peacekeeping mission.
The virtual meeting, involving leaders from all 16 SADC member nations, comes amid a rapidly evolving conflict. The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has made significant territorial gains since January, seizing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.
In response, Angola announced late Wednesday that peace talks between the DRC government and M23 will commence next Tuesday in Luanda. Angolan President Joao Lourenco recently met with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, following previous reluctance by Tshisekedi to engage with the rebel group as encouraged by Rwanda.
Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, serving as SADC chairperson, called for a "greater sense of urgency" to resolve the conflict. He stressed that an inclusive dialogue is essential to prevent the unrest from spilling over and destabilizing the wider region, and he welcomed the timely review of the SAMIDRC mandate.
While officials did not disclose the full size of the multinational military deployment—further bolstered by contributions from Tanzania—the summit underscored growing regional concern. Reports indicate that some South African soldiers are reportedly confined to their base by M23 fighters, intensifying calls for a reassessment of the mission’s strategy.
UN experts have suggested that Rwanda maintains roughly 4,000 troops in eastern DRC to support M23, a claim Rwanda denies. Meanwhile, the DRC government asserts that the M23 offensive has claimed more than 7,000 lives since the start of 2025, although these figures have not been independently verified.
As the SADC bloc continues its efforts to stabilize the situation, the summit reflects a concerted push by regional leaders to coordinate a diplomatic and military response that could pave the way for broader peace talks and ultimately, a resolution to the conflict.
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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday strongly denied claims made by the M23 rebel group and its allies, alleging that the SADC's mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) participated in joint military operations in the eastern city of Goma.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a $5 million reward for the capture of three leaders of the Congo River Alliance, including M23 commanders, as the government intensifies its efforts to combat the Rwandan-backed rebels seizing large portions of eastern DR Congo.
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The United States, along with its European allies, is finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with a strong warning that new sanctions will be imposed on Russia if the truce is not honored, according to a French diplomatic source on Friday.
Ten blasts were reported near Srinagar International Airport in India-administered Kashmir as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, prompting global concern over a potential wider conflict.
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Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil fresh sanctions targeting up to 100 Russian oil tankers used to evade international restrictions, in a bid to cut off funding for Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.
China has agreed to send its top economic official for rare trade talks with the U.S. in Geneva, as deepening economic troubles and geopolitical frictions force Beijing back to the negotiating table.
The United States, along with its European allies, is finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with a strong warning that new sanctions will be imposed on Russia if the truce is not honored, according to a French diplomatic source on Friday.
Ten blasts were reported near Srinagar International Airport in India-administered Kashmir as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, prompting global concern over a potential wider conflict.
Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil fresh sanctions targeting up to 100 Russian oil tankers used to evade international restrictions, in a bid to cut off funding for Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyau is trying out of “utter desperation” to disrupt the current indirect nuclear negotiations process between Iran and the United States.
China has agreed to send its top economic official for rare trade talks with the U.S. in Geneva, as deepening economic troubles and geopolitical frictions force Beijing back to the negotiating table.
The United States, along with its European allies, is finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with a strong warning that new sanctions will be imposed on Russia if the truce is not honored, according to a French diplomatic source on Friday.
Ten blasts were reported near Srinagar International Airport in India-administered Kashmir as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, prompting global concern over a potential wider conflict.
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