The Southern African Development Community (SADC), led by Malawi’s Vice President Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, convened an extraordinary virtual summit of the Troika on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation on Monday, June 22. The meeting focused on assessing the security and political climate in the region, with particular attention to Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Regional Stability at Risk in Eastern DRC

The SADC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to “safeguarding peace, consolidating democracy, and promoting stability and regional integration.” The Troika emphasized the need to strengthen African crisis prevention and resolution mechanisms to preserve collective security.

Deepening Concerns Over DRC’s Security Crisis

The regional bloc 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. SADC delegates called on all parties involved in the conflict to honor commitments made under the Doha and Washington agreements, particularly ceasefire provisions.

“Regarding the DRC, the Summit expressed profound concern over the resurgence of the Ebola epidemic in the eastern part of the country and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Congolese people. It also noted the worsening security situation in the region, highlighting that instability undermines both national peace and regional integration,” stated the SADC communiqué.

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

Recommendations Ahead of the August SADC Summit

To bolster its involvement in finding solutions, the Troika formulated several recommendations that will be presented for consideration at the upcoming SADC Heads of State and Government Summit. The 46th Ordinary Summit of the Community of Southern African Development (SADC) will be held in Durban, South Africa, from August 16 to 17, 2026.

This summit marks the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional economic community. South Africa currently holds the interim SADC presidency following the ousting of former Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina in October 2025 amid a major political crisis in Madagascar.

The SADC meeting comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including the Washington and Doha agreements, aimed at establishing a durable ceasefire and reviving dialogue among stakeholders in the long-standing conflict plaguing eastern DRC. However, these initiatives have yet to yield tangible results on the ground, where hostilities continue between rebel factions and government forces.

Despite repeated calls from national, regional, and international voices for adherence to peace commitments, progress remains elusive. The gap between diplomatic advances and ground realities persists as parties interpret agreement provisions differently, complicating their implementation.