1. The Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) hereafter called “Summit” was held on the 31st of January 2025 in Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe, to deliberate on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
2. Summit was officially opened and chaired by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, in his capacity as Chairperson of SADC.
3. Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government, or their representatives:
Zimbabwe: H.E. President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
Botswana: President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko
Democratic Republic of Congo: H.E. President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo
Madagascar: H.E. President Andry Rajoelina
Mozambique: H.E. President Daniel Francisco Chapo
South Africa: H.E. President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa
United Republic of Tanzania: Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan
Zambia H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema
Lesotho: The Right Honourable Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, the Prime Minister
Eswatini Hon. Thulisile Dladla, Deputy Prime Minister
Angola: H.E. Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations
Malawi: Hon. Nancy Gladys Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Namibia: Hon. Frans Kapofi, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs
4. Summit received the latest reports on the unfolding security situation in the Eastern part of the DRC and noted with concern the recent attacks by the M23 armed group and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on the Government Forces of DRC, the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), and the civilian population in various areas of North Kivu.
5. Summit expressed its deepest condolences to the Democratic Republic Congo, the Republics of Malawi and South Africa and, the United Republic of Tanzania for the deceased soldiers who lost their lives during the recent attacks in Sake, Eastern DRC, whilst serving under the SAMIDRC and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
6. Summit expressed concern that the recent attacks continued to worsen the security and humanitarian situation in the DRC and called for immediate restoration of essential utilities such as water, electricity, means of communication and supply lines for food and other essential commodities.
7. Summit condemned in strongest terms the attacks on the SAMIDRC troops by the M23 armed group and the RDF operating in the Eastern DRC as such actions violated the ceasefire that was brokered through the Luanda Process on 30 July 2024 and undermine peace and security of the DRC and the SADC region.
8. Summit recalled its decision of May 2023 to deploy peacekeeping mission to the DRC in order to support its desire for peace and security and defend its territorial integrity. In this regard, Summit noted that these objectives have not yet been realised.
9. Summit reiterated its support to the diplomatic efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Eastern DRC through the Luanda Process, led by His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and the African Union Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa and the Nairobi Process, led by His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of the Republic of Kenya.
10. Summit called for the immediate dispatch of ministers of defence, chiefs of defence and Troop Contributing Countries to DRC to ensure that the SAMIDRC troops are safe and facilitate immediate repatriation of the deceased troops and those who are injured.
11. Summit called for an immediate joint Summit of SADC and East African Community (EAC) to deliberate on the way forward regarding the security situation in the DRC as proposed by the 24th Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State of the EAC held on 29th January 2025.
12. Summit mandated the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, to engage all state and non-state parties to the conflict on a ceasefire process to protect lives and facilitate a smooth flow of humanitarian support to people and communities affected by the armed conflict.
13. Summit urged Political and Diplomatic leaders who are parties to the conflict to engage in a coordinated effort of dialogue, including supporting the Luanda Process, MONUSCO and others, to restore peace and security in Eastern DRC.
14. Summit reaffirmed its solidarity and unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable peace, security and development.
15. Summit expressed solidarity with the DRC and extended its appreciation to the men and women deployed in the SAMIDRC for their dedication, resilience and service to the preservation of peace and security in the region.
16. Summit commended the Republic of Madagascar for pledging medical support to the injured and displaced people in the theatre of operation in the Eastern DRC.
17. Summit congratulated His Excellency Mr. Daniel Francisco Chapo on his election as President of the Republic of Mozambique and welcomed his participation in the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.
18. Summit acknowledged the expression of gratitude from His Excellency Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo for SADC’s continued support to address the security challenges facing the DRC.
19. Summit commended Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Chairperson of the SADC Organ, for her leadership, commitment and guidance, and for spearheading regional peace and security matters in the SADC region.
20. Summit thanked the Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for convening the Extraordinary SADC Summit and for his leadership in promoting regional cooperation towards the attainment of peace, and stability in the SADC region.
21. The SADC Chairperson expressed gratitude to the Heads of State and Government for attending the Summit and for their commitment and cooperation.
Done on 31st January 2025
Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe
