Staff Reporter
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has condemned the recent attack by the M23 armed group on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which occurred on January 22, 2025, in Goma.
In a statement issued on January 25, SADC expressed its condemnation of the attack, calling it an act of aggression that undermines the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace and security of both the DRC and the broader SADC region.
"SADC unequivocally condemns this act of aggression by the M23 operating in the eastern DRC, adding that such actions undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace and security of the DRC and the SADC region.
"The pursuit of territorial expansion by M23 only exacerbates the already existing dire humanitarian and security situation in the eastern DRC, which has left thousands of people dead and forced millions in North Kivu, particularly women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, to flee their homes," the statement read.
SADC also emphasised that the M23’s actions violate existing peace agreements.
"The actions of the M23 armed group contravene the Nairobi Peace Process and are 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,” added the statement.
The regional organisation called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and atrocities perpetrated by M23, as well as an unconditional withdrawal from all occupied positions.
SADC further emphasised the importance of dialogue, reaffirming its support for the DRC.
"We, therefore, call on all parties in the conflict to adhere to their obligations under the Ceasefire and engage through dialogue for everlasting peace, security, and stability in the DRC and the Region," said the statement.
SADC also called for international solidarity.
"We call upon the international community, including the United Nations, to join us in denouncing these unlawful actions by the M23. The SADC region reiterates its solidarity with the people of the DRC and commends them for their resilience against brutal actions perpetrated by the M23 and other armed groups," the statement read.
SADC concluded by extending its condolences to the victims, expressing wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured and offering heartfelt condolences to the countries and families of the deceased.
