daniel chigunwe
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE late former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Kofi Annan said enmity between people does not and cannot last forever, but making peace requires extraordinary courage from all sides.
Time and time again, he reminded nations that conflict is rarely resolved through the force of arms alone, and that political dialogue is crucial for building lasting peace.
With that in mind, the exemplary and unequivocal message by President Mnangagwa who is also the SADC Chairman, that the regional bloc will take full responsibility for the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and take decisive action to address the deteriorating security issues in the eastern parts of the vast and resource-rich country must be applauded by all peace loving people.
President Mnangagwa has recognised that at this critical juncture, with the lives of countless vulnerable civilians being lost, there is an urgent need to maintain Sadc’s mandate of preserving peace.
This commitment stems from the fundamental principles upon which the organisation was founded: to foster peace, security, and stability within the Southern African region.
Recognising the devastating impact of conflict on human lives, economic development, and regional stability, SADC has consistently prioritised the peaceful resolution of disputes and the prevention of conflict.
In a statement on Monday, President Mnangagwa “expressed grave concern” over the security situation in Eastern DRC, where rebels have reportedly seized the city of Goma, leaving a bloody trail and displacing hundreds.
He stressed that urgent action was needed to address the rapidly deteriorating situation, characterised by escalating violence, widespread displacement, and a growing humanitarian crisis.
“The Chairman of SADC, His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa expresses grave concern on the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the Eastern DRC occasioned by the offensive operations of the M23 rebels. The Chairman condemns, unreservedly, the cowardly attacks on the UN and SADC peacekeepers that have resulted in some of them paying the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace in the Eastern DRC,” read the statement issued by the SADC Secretariat.
The death toll from fighting between peacekeeping soldiers and M23 rebels in eastern Congo has reached 13.
The number includes nine South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers and others from Malawi and Uruguay deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional force or under the UN mission in Congo (MONUSCO).
“The Chairman of SADC presents his condolences to the families of the deceased peacekeepers and wishes those injured a quick recovery. The Chairman of SADC points out that SADC will assume its full responsibility and take action to deal with the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Eastern DRC.
“Those responsible for the situation should be held accountable,” read the statement.
He stressed that, for its part, SADC recognises the sacrifices made by the peacekeepers who laid down their lives in pursuit of this noble goal.
The bloc sends a clear and unequivocal message to the M23 and its backers that actions endangering the lives of civilians and UN peacekeepers will not be tolerated.
The loss of innocent lives and the displacement of countless civilians demand a decisive and collective response from the regional bloc, requiring a concerted effort from all member states to address the root causes of the conflict, support humanitarian efforts, and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to find a lasting solution.
There is a strong need to express sincere appreciation to President Mnangagwa, in his capacity as Chairman of the bloc, for his decisive leadership in addressing this critical humanitarian crisis.
This proactive stance demonstrates a commitment to upholding the core principles of SADC and provides renewed hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of the DRC.
His commitment to upholding peace and security in the region is commendable and provides hope for a brighter future for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
President Mnangagwa has also, on numerous international and regional forums, called for collective action in building an inclusive, just, and sustainable world anchored on peace, solidarity, and mutual respect.
This consistent advocacy reflects the President’s commitment to a global order based on cooperation and shared responsibility.
In an earlier statement, the SADC Secretariat also noted that the M23 aggression was in violation of the peace agreement that was struck by Angolan leader, President João Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, between the DRC Government and the rebels.
“The actions of the M23 armed group contravenes the Nairobi Peace Process and is a clear violation of the agreed ceasefire brokered through the Luanda Process led by His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola in his capacity as the African Union Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa.
“We, therefore, call on all parties in the conflict to adhere to their obligations in the ceasefire, calling for immediate cessation of hostilities and atrocities perpetrated by M23 as well as unconditional withdrawal from all occupied positions,” reads the statement.”
SADC encouraged all parties to the conflict in Eastern DRC to comply with the terms and conditions of the existing peace agreements and engage through dialogue for everlasting peace, security and stability in the DRC and the region.
This commitment by the bloc to the defence of its mandate reflects SADC’s unwavering belief in the principles of dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful conflict resolution.
By upholding these principles, SADC strives to create a more stable, prosperous, and secure future for all people in the DRC and the region.
This commitment is further strengthened by the recognition that stability and prosperity are inextricably linked to the resolution of conflicts within the region.
SADC’s unwavering support for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to regional challenges demonstrates its commitment to a future where all member states can thrive and contribute to the overall development of the Southern African region.
Online Reporter
