Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, serving as the current chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has strongly condemned the recent attacks on peacekeepers in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These attacks come as the region grapples with an intensifying conflict that has caused widespread displacement and destruction.
In a statement on Monday, Mnangagwa expressed his deep concern regarding the violent incidents, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and numerous injuries. The violence, attributed to armed groups targeting both UN and SADC peacekeeping forces, reflects the ongoing instability in the region, which has seen escalated fighting between the Congolese army and various militia groups.
The conflict in the DRC’s eastern provinces has been steadily worsening, and since the start of 2025, over 400,000 civilians have been displaced due to the escalating clashes. The humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, with many communities left without access to basic services, shelter, and food. This has sparked a regional outcry for international intervention and support to stabilize the situation.
In his remarks, President Mnangagwa expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, extending his support to their loved ones during this tragic time. He described the attacks as “cowardly acts” that undermine the peacekeeping efforts in the region and disrupt the progress towards stability.
Mnangagwa also emphasized that SADC would not stand by idly in the face of such violence. The organization, which has been actively involved in peacekeeping operations in the DRC for several years, has pledged to take immediate and decisive steps to hold those responsible for the attacks accountable. He reaffirmed that SADC is committed to the security and stability of the DRC, and the regional body would continue working towards resolving the ongoing conflict.
This condemnation comes just months after SADC extended its peacekeeping mission in the DRC by one year, a decision made in response to the persistent violence and deteriorating security situation. SADC’s extended mandate reflects the region’s commitment to ensuring peace and order in the DRC, despite the ongoing challenges.
The attacks on peacekeepers have highlighted the dangers faced by international and regional forces working to bring stability to conflict-ridden areas in Africa. Mnangagwa’s statement underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing security challenges, while also calling for stronger efforts to hold perpetrators of violence accountable under international law.
As the situation in eastern DRC continues to evolve, SADC’s role in the region will remain critical. The organization is expected to intensify its diplomatic and peacekeeping efforts, working closely with other international bodies and governments to bring a resolution to the conflict and mitigate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
