The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for strict compliance with the Doha and Washington peace accords, which are backed by the African Union (AU), as the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to deteriorate.
The urgent appeal came during an extraordinary virtual summit of the SADC Troika on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation, held on June 22. The meeting, led by Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, Malawi’s Vice President representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika, focused on addressing the escalating instability in the region, particularly in Madagascar and the DRC.
sade’s commitment to peace and regional stability
The SADC Troika reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding peace, strengthening democracy, and fostering regional stability. Regional leaders emphasized the need to reinforce African-led mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution to ensure collective security across member states.
In a statement, the SADC underscored the growing concerns over the deteriorating security landscape in eastern DRC, warning that instability poses a direct threat not only to national peace but also to the broader goals of regional integration and cooperation.
demands for ceasefire compliance
The regional bloc urged all parties involved in the conflict to honor their commitments under the Doha and Washington agreements, particularly the ceasefire provisions. The SADC highlighted the critical role of African-led peace processes, supported by international efforts, in achieving lasting stability, resilience, and enduring peace in the region.
The statement also expressed deep concern over the resurgence of Ebola in eastern DRC and reiterated solidarity with the Congolese people. It noted that the combination of health crises and armed conflict further exacerbates the challenges facing the region.
path forward: recommendations ahead of the sade summit
To strengthen its role in resolving the crisis, the SADC Troika formulated a set of recommendations that will be presented 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 the interim SADC presidency following the political crisis in Madagascar, which led to the ousting of former President Andry Rajoelina in October 2025.
diplomatic efforts stall amid ongoing conflict
The SADC’s call comes at a time when diplomatic initiatives, including the Washington and Doha processes, have yet to yield tangible results on the ground. Despite these efforts, hostilities continue between rebel factions and government forces, with no significant reduction in violence.
Calls for adherence to peace agreements have so far gone unheeded, as parties involved interpret the accords differently, undermining their implementation. The gap between diplomatic progress and the realities on the ground remains a persistent challenge, prolonging the cycle of instability in eastern DRC.
As tensions rise, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and adherence to negotiated peace frameworks to restore security and stability in the region.
