Africa-Press – Angola. The Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable security and development.
The summit, chaired by Zimbabwean and SADC President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was held in a hybrid format with Angolan President João Lourenço, represented by Minister of Home Affairs Manuel Homem.
Held under the theme “Promoting innovation to create opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development for an industrialized SADC”, the meeting reiterated the need for a political and diplomatic solution with all parties involved, including states, non-state actors, military and non-military in the DRC, to restore peace, security and tranquillity in the country.
The Heads of State also reaffirmed the decision of the joint East African Community and SADC Summit to merge the Luanda and Nairobi processes and to involve more facilitators to strengthen peace-building.
The meeting welcomed the adoption of Resolution 277, which endorsed clear guidelines for a lasting solution by supporting the efforts of the African Union, the East African Communities, the Central African State, the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region and SADC in convening high-level meetings and in their efforts within the framework of the merged Luanda and Nairobi mediation processes.
It also acknowledged the efforts of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres to restore peace and security in the east of the DRC.
Félix Tshisekedi, President of the DRC, thanked SADC for its support in addressing the security challenges facing his country.
The SADC Chairperson on his turn, thanked the Heads of State and Government for participating in the virtual meeting and for their commitment to work together on the region’s agenda.
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