SADC urges strict adherence to Doha and Washington accords amid rising insecurity in eastern DRC
- Security
Regional bloc calls for renewed commitment to peace efforts in embattled provinces
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has convened an extraordinary virtual summit of its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, led by Vice-President of the Republic of Malawi, Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika. The meeting, held on Monday, June 22, focused on assessing the deteriorating security and political landscape in the region, with particular attention to Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a resolute stance, the regional organization reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding peace, consolidating democracy, and promoting stability across the continent. The SADC leaders underscored the urgent need to strengthen African-led mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution to uphold collective security.
Growing concerns over eastern DRC instability
The regional bloc expressed deep concern over the escalating security crisis in eastern DRC, warning that the persistent instability poses a grave threat not only to national peace but also to regional integration and cooperation efforts. Participants at the summit called on all parties involved in the conflict to honor their commitments under the Doha and Washington agreements, particularly the ceasefire provisions that remain unimplemented.
“Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Summit expressed profound concern over the resurgence of the Ebola epidemic in the eastern part of the country and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Congolese people,” stated the SADC communiqué. “It also noted the deterioration of the security situation in the region, emphasizing that instability threatens national peace and regional integration.”
The communiqué went further to urge all stakeholders to uphold the Doha and Washington accords, stressing that Africa-led peace processes, supported by international efforts, remain critical to achieving lasting stability, resilience, and enduring peace.
Recommendations to be presented at upcoming SADC summit
To bolster its engagement in conflict resolution, the SADC Troika formulated several recommendations that will be submitted for consideration at the upcoming 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government. The summit, hosted by South Africa from August 16 to 17, 2026 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, will mark the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional economic community. It comes as South Africa currently holds interim SADC presidency following the ousting of former Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina in October 2025 amid a deep political crisis in Madagascar.
This SADC meeting follows diplomatic initiatives such as the Washington Agreement and the Doha Process, aimed at establishing a durable ceasefire and reviving dialogue among parties to the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC. However, these efforts have yet to yield tangible results on the ground, where hostilities continue between rebel factions and government forces.
Despite repeated calls from national, regional, and international actors for adherence to peace commitments, implementation remains elusive. The persistent gap between diplomatic progress and ground realities persists, with each party interpreting the accords according to its own narrative, further complicating their effective execution.
As the situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, the SADC’s renewed emphasis on the Doha and Washington accords signals a critical moment for regional stakeholders to recommit to peace and stability in a region plagued by persistent conflict.