By George Swarei
Harare, Zimbabwe – 20 November 2024
The Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government convened today in Harare, Zimbabwe, with a resolute focus on addressing peace and security challenges within the region. The gathering, chaired by Zimbabwean President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, brought together regional leaders to deliberate on critical issues threatening stability and development in Southern Africa.
In his opening remarks, SADC Executive Secretary His Excellency Elias M. Magosi underscored the urgency of regional unity in confronting ongoing security crises, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and post-election violence in Mozambique. While highlighting the generally peaceful nature of the SADC region, Mr. Magosi acknowledged persistent challenges requiring collective intervention. He noted that peace and security are fundamental to achieving the socio-economic aspirations of SADC Member States, stating, “Any disturbance to these tenets threatens the lofty aspirations of the region.”
Central to the summit’s agenda was the evaluation of progress made by the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), deployed nearly a year ago. The mission has provided stability in conflict-affected areas, facilitating humanitarian aid and enabling political and diplomatic initiatives, including the ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda on 4 August 2024. However, reports of ceasefire violations remain a significant concern. The summit also highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC, where over 6.9 million people have been displaced, with countless lives lost and vulnerable groups such as women and children facing severe hardships. Mr. Magosi called for unwavering commitment to sustaining the ceasefire and fostering dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.
The post-election political and security situation in Mozambique was another focal point. Mr. Magosi expressed disappointment over the escalation of violence following the elections, urging aggrieved parties to seek redress through legal and constitutional means. He appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize the safety of citizens and the stability of the country. Acknowledging the financial constraints facing SAMIDRC, Mr. Magosi emphasized the need for Member States to honor their remittances while exploring partnerships with international bodies such as the African Union and the United Nations. He stressed that military interventions alone are insufficient, advocating for enhanced political and diplomatic strategies like the Luanda Process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço.
Mr. Magosi reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts among SADC Member States and stakeholders to achieve lasting peace. He urged leaders to engage in “robust but intimate and in-camera conversations” with nations affected by conflict and external actors influencing regional stability. “We must work with all stakeholders to change the narrative and work towards peace. Peace should be the denominator for all our engagements,” he said, emphasizing that peace cannot be bought but requires sustained dialogue and goodwill.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Magosi expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the Government of Zimbabwe for hosting the summit on short notice, demonstrating their commitment to regional peace and stability. He also commended Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership as Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.
The summit marks a critical step in SADC’s ongoing efforts to ensure peace, security, and development across the region. With decisive leadership and collective action, the regional bloc remains optimistic about overcoming its challenges and building a stable and prosperous Southern Africa.
