• 31 Jan, 2025
  • shadreck gurenje
  • 1583 Reads

SADC intensifies efforts to protect citizens

…as President Mnangagwa boldly calls for dialogue and peace building in Eastern DRC

By Shadreck Gurenje

SADC Chairman President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the regional block stands ready to intensify efforts to protect the SADC citizens from all forms of instability, in line with the SADC Mutual Defence.

Giving his opening remarks to the SADC extra-ordinary summit of Heads of States and Governments in Harare , President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the political will of SADC must be strengthened towards a concrete and actionable roadmap that will help accelerate the realization of peace in the Eastern DRC.

 “As we deliberate on our firm and united response, let us not overlook the humanitarian crises stemming from the prevailing armed conflict in Eastern DRC. The plight of the millions of Internally Displaced Populations, cannot and should not, be ignored.

“SADC appreciates the support rendered by International Cooperating Partners, in response to the critical needs of the displaced populations. However, more must be done to alleviate the situation. The people of the eastern DRC have suffered for far too long. Further, SADC condemns in the strongest terms the attacks by aggressor forces. While we pause to mourn our loss, our resolve to ensure collective security cannot be shaken,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa further reiterated the importance of dialogue and peace building for the benefit of the ordinary people across the region.

“The importance of dialogue and peace building for the benefit of the people of the Eastern DRC must be boldly pursued. To this end, our region stands ready to intensify efforts to protect the SADC citizens from all forms of instability, in line with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact. The peace and security of our region is a shared obligation.

“I, therefore, call upon us all to leverage on this important meeting by engaging in frank and fact-based deliberations. Our political will must be strengthened towards a concrete and actionable roadmap that will help accelerate the realization of peace in the Eastern DRC,”said President Mnangagwa.