The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) was deployed on 15 December 2023 to support the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to restore peace and security in the Eastern DRC. During its operations, SAMIDRC complies with human rights aspects as speculated in the Law of Armed Conflict and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Additionally, the mission operates under the Rules of Engagement (ROE) for the Southern Africa Development Community Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC) issued by the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics and Security Cooperation. The said Rules of Engagement dictate that the Mission’s military personnel comply with International Laws, especially the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and the Laws of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Humanitarian Laws and their aspects are indoctrinated to the SAMIDRC Troops before, during and after deployment. SAMIDRC Senior Leadership always ensures proper training and execution of Humanitarian Laws and their aspects during operations. To achieve its Mandate, SAMIDRC cooperates with various National and International Humanitarian Stakeholders to improve the humanitarian and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Humanitarian coordination is important to enhance the effectiveness and impact of collective humanitarian efforts by ensuring common standards and approaches, prioritisation of needs, identification of gaps and a stronger level of effort and noble accountability. It also helps to avoid duplication of effort and reduce potential harm or ineffectiveness that can result if there is no proper coordination.
SAMIDRC has a Civil-Military Relations (CIMIC) structure that links with all National and International Humanitarian Stakeholders in the DRC. CIMIC plans and executes, among others, civil-military operations of SAMIDRC. CIMIC offers strong relations between the SAMIDRC and all civilian actors in the area of operation, assistance to the civilian surroundings and support to the Force.
SAMIDRC has established and implemented a robust human rights and international humanitarian law compliance framework to prevent civilian casualties during the operations. Principally, the facet of the SAMIDRC Mandate is Humanitarian, based on the “Protection of Civilians and their properties under imminent threats from negative forces and illegal armed groups.”
