Harare: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe, focusing on the security situation and conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Angolan President João Lourenço was represented by Minister of Defence, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Fatherland, João Ernesto dos Santos ‘Liberdade’, who presented a report on ongoing mediation efforts under the Luanda Process to the Troika of the Body and Contributing Countries at the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIRDC).
According to Angola Press News Agency, the head of the Angolan Delegation emphasized that the Luanda Process is at a critical juncture. Despite a ceasefire, violations continue by armed groups, notably the M23, which occupies significant areas in North Kivu province and has appointed local chiefs and administrators, challenging the DRC’s territorial integrity. However, he acknowledged considerable progress since August 2024, including the devel
opment of a Harmonized Plan for the Neutralization of the FDLR and the Force Disengagement/Review of Rwandan Security Measures, as well as the Concept of Operations (CONOPs), set to be adopted at a ministerial meeting in Luanda later this month.
Chaired by Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, the SADC Summit approved extending SAMIRDC’s mandate by one year, until December 15, 2025, along with its financial implications. The Summit also reviewed the democratic consolidation in the SADC region, particularly the electoral processes in Botswana, Mauritius, and Mozambique, receiving a detailed report on Mozambique’s post-electoral political and security situation following its October 9 elections. Additionally, the Summit congratulated Duma Gideon Boko, President-elect of Botswana, after the October 30 elections.
The Angolan delegation included Altino Carlos José dos Santos, Chief of the General Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, and Ambassador Jorge Catarino Cardoso, Director of Africa, Middle East, and R
egional Organizations of MIREX, among other diplomats. The SADC Summit is tasked with guiding the political direction of the region and ensuring the stability and development of its sixteen member states.