SADC calls for strict adherence to Doha and Washington accords as eastern DRC faces escalating violence
- Security
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has issued a firm warning to all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing the urgent need to honor the provisions of the Doha and Washington peace agreements. This call comes as regional instability continues to escalate, threatening both national peace and the broader objectives of African integration.
Regional bloc highlights deteriorating security situation
During an extraordinary virtual summit of the SADC Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation held on June 22, 2026, regional leaders expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence in eastern DRC. The meeting, chaired by Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, Malawi’s Second Vice President representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika, underscored the critical importance of safeguarding peace, democracy, and regional stability.
The SADC Troika reiterated its commitment to strengthening African-led mechanisms for crisis prevention and resolution, stressing that collective security remains a top priority. The escalating instability in eastern DRC was identified as a major threat to both national cohesion and the integration efforts of the wider region.
A renewed push for peace agreements
In a strongly worded statement, the regional bloc urged all stakeholders in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and fully comply with the ceasefire terms outlined in the Doha and Washington accords. These agreements, brokered with the support of the African Union, are seen as essential frameworks for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
The SADC summit also expressed solidarity with the Congolese people in the face of a renewed outbreak of Ebola in eastern provinces, further complicating an already dire humanitarian situation. The regional leaders emphasized that only through strict adherence to these peace processes can durable solutions be found.
Recommendations to be presented at upcoming SADC summit
To reinforce its commitment to resolving the crisis, the SADC Troika has developed a set of recommendations that will be submitted for consideration at the upcoming 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government. Scheduled to take place in Durban, South Africa, from August 16 to 17, 2026, this summit will mark the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional bloc.
The meeting follows a period of intense diplomatic efforts, including the Washington and Doha processes, aimed at restoring a lasting ceasefire and reviving dialogue among conflicting parties. Despite these initiatives, however, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with clashes continuing between rebel factions and government forces.
While international and regional calls for compliance with peace agreements grow louder, implementation on the ground remains inconsistent. Each party continues to interpret the accords according to its own terms, creating persistent gaps between diplomatic progress and ground realities. The SADC’s latest intervention seeks to bridge this divide by reinforcing the legal and political weight of existing agreements.
As the crisis deepens, the SADC’s message is clear: the time for dialogue and adherence to agreed frameworks is now. Without immediate action, the prospects for regional stability and sustainable peace in eastern DRC remain severely compromised.
