The Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened an extraordinary virtual summit of the Troika on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation on Monday, June 22, to address escalating security and political tensions in the region, with particular focus on Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The regional bloc reaffirmed its commitment to “safeguarding peace, consolidating democracy, and promoting stability and regional integration.” SADC leaders emphasized strengthening African crisis prevention and resolution mechanisms to protect collective security.

Deep concern over eastern DRC instability

SADC expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC, warning that “instability threatens not only national peace but also regional integration and cooperation efforts.” Meeting participants called on all conflict parties to honor commitments made under the Doha and Washington agreements, especially ceasefire provisions.

The summit communiqué highlighted: “Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Summit expressed deep concern over the resurgence of the Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country and reaffirmed solidarity with the Congolese people. It also noted the deterioration of the security situation in the region, emphasizing that instability threatens national peace and regional integration.”

The communiqué continued: “The Summit urged all parties to respect the Doha and Washington agreements, particularly ceasefire provisions, and stressed that African-led peace processes, supported by international efforts, remain essential for achieving lasting stability, resilience, and enduring peace.”

Key recommendations ahead of SADC summit

To strengthen its involvement in finding solutions, the Troika formulated several recommendations that will be submitted for consideration at the upcoming SADC Heads of State and Government Summit. This 46th Ordinary Summit is scheduled for August 16-17, 2026, in Durban, South Africa, marking the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional economic community.

This meeting occurs amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including the Washington agreements and Doha process, aimed at establishing a durable ceasefire and restarting dialogue between parties to the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC. However, these initiatives have yet to yield concrete results on the ground, where hostilities continue between rebels and government forces.

Despite repeated calls at national, regional, and international levels for adherence to peace agreement commitments, these appeals have so far had little effect. The gap between diplomatic progress on paper and realities on the ground remains wide, as each party interprets agreement provisions according to its own interpretation, making implementation increasingly uncertain.

Reporting by Clément Muamba