Eastern DRC security crisis: SADC urges compliance with doha and Washington agreements
Escalating security crisis in eastern DRC prompts SADC emergency call for peace accord compliance
- Security
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), led by Vice-President Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana of Malawi acting on behalf of President Arthur Peter Mutharika, convened an extraordinary virtual summit of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on Monday, June 22. The emergency meeting focused primarily on the deteriorating security and political climate in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Madagascar.
The regional bloc restated its core mission: “safeguarding peace, consolidating democracy, and advancing regional stability and integration.” SADC leaders underscored the urgent need to reinforce African crisis prevention and resolution mechanisms to uphold collective security across member states.
Heightened concern over eastern DRC instability
SADC delegates expressed grave alarm at the “alarming deterioration” of security conditions in eastern DRC, warning that persistent instability threatens not only national peace but also regional integration efforts. The assembled leaders called on all parties to the conflict to honor the ceasefire provisions enshrined in the Doha and Washington peace accords, which remain central to international mediation efforts.
“Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the official SADC communiqué noted, “the summit voiced deep concern over the resurgence of Ebola in eastern provinces and reaffirmed solidarity with the Congolese people. It further highlighted the rapid deterioration of the security situation, noting that instability jeopardizes both national peace and regional integration.”
The communiqué continued: “The summit urged all stakeholders to comply strictly with the Doha and Washington agreements, particularly ceasefire obligations, and stressed that African-led peace processes, supported by international initiatives, remain vital to achieving lasting stability, resilience, and sustainable peace.”
Path to resolution: recommendations for Durban summit
To strengthen its commitment to peace, the SADC Troika formulated a series of concrete recommendations. These measures are slated for consideration at the upcoming 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, scheduled for August 16–17, 2026, in Durban, South Africa. This gathering will mark the beginning of South Africa’s one-year presidency of the regional body, following the October 2025 political crisis in Madagascar that led to the removal of former President Andry Rajoelina.
The timing of this SADC meeting coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts—including the Washington and Doha processes—aimed at securing a durable ceasefire and reactivating dialogue among conflicting parties in eastern DRC. Despite these initiatives, tangible progress on the ground remains elusive, with hostilities continuing between rebel factions and government forces.
Calls for compliance with peace agreements continue to echo at national, regional, and international levels. Yet, implementation gaps persist, as parties interpret key provisions differently, complicating the translation of diplomatic advances into real-world stability. The gap between signed accords and ground realities remains a critical challenge to achieving sustainable peace in the region.