The Southern African Development Community reaffirms its commitment to peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. As tensions between Rwanda and South Africa escalate over allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group, diplomatic efforts continue to yield commitments but no immediate resolution.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its commitment to peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. This statement comes as tensions between Rwanda and South Africa escalate over allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group.
“The conflict in eastern DRC has created a dire situation, with escalating hostilities threatening to spill over into neighboring countries.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a vast country located in central Africa.
With an area of approximately 2,344,858 square kilometers, it is the second-largest country on the continent after Algeria.
The DRC borders several countries, including the Republic of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, and the Central African Republic.
The capital city is Kinshasa.
The DRC has a diverse geography, with tropical rainforests, savannas, and mountains.
Its economy relies heavily on mining, particularly diamonds, gold, and cobalt.
Escalating Hostilities in Eastern Congo
The conflict in eastern DRC has created a dire situation, with escalating hostilities threatening to spill over into neighboring countries. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is currently chairing the rotating leadership of SADC, expressed his concern for the people of eastern Congo, stating that they have suffered for far too long. He emphasized the importance of finding a lasting solution to end the challenges facing the DRC.
Diplomatic Stand-off between Rwanda and South Africa
Rwanda is a landlocked country located in the Great Rift Valley in East Africa.
It borders Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.
The country's terrain is mostly mountainous with volcanic hills and valleys.
Rwanda has a subtropical highland climate with two rainy seasons: March to May and September to November.
The average temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
The conflict in eastern DRC has also led to a diplomatic stand-off between Rwanda and South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa demanded a ceasefire from Rwanda, while Rwandan President Paul Kagame accused Ramaphosa of lying and distorting the facts on the ground. The situation is further complicated by allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group.
“The situation is critical, with widespread psychological distress and trauma reported among the affected population.”
A Traumatized Population
The conflict has had a devastating impact on the population of eastern DRC, with reports of citizens going for days without vital supplies. Humanitarian organizations have described the situation as ‘critical,’ with widespread psychological distress and trauma reported among the affected population.
“We are seeing summary executions, conflict-related sexual violence, and civilian casualties,”
UN Agencies Confirm Reports of Displacement, Rape, and Murder
United Nations agencies have confirmed reports of displacement, rape, and murder in areas affected by the conflict. The UN Human Rights Office has documented summary executions, conflict-related sexual violence, and civilian casualties. The situation is further exacerbated by the M23 rebel group’s declaration that they intend to march on Kinshasa and take over the government.
“We need unity and a peaceful end to the conflict in eastern DRC,”
Paul Kagame is a Rwandan politician and military leader who has served as the President of Rwanda since 2000.
He previously led the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in the country's civil war, which ended with the 'victory' in 1994.
Kagame has implemented various economic and social reforms, leading to significant development in Rwanda.
He has also been a key figure in regional politics, serving as the Chairperson of the African Union from 2008 to 2010.
Calls for Unity and a Peaceful End to the Conflict
Experts are calling for unity and a peaceful end to the conflict in eastern DRC. Political analyst Dereck Goto emphasized the need for the EAC and SADC to join forces to demand an end to the conflict, while also asking Rwanda not to support M23 and fortifying governance structures in DRC.
Next Steps
The leaders of SADC have agreed to convene with the EAC as a matter of urgency to resolve the situation. The UN Human Rights Office continues to receive urgent requests from civilians for protection, and is working with other UN agencies and partners to ensure their safety.
