Security Challenges in Eastern DRC TZ Backs Solutions

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Security Challenges in Eastern DRC TZ Backs Solutions
Security Challenges in Eastern DRC TZ Backs Solutions

Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to intensify efforts in addressing ongoing security challenges in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as rising transnational crimes, despite the region’s overall stability.

The appeal was made yesterday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Samwel Shelukindo, during the opening of the Standing Committee of Senior Officials for the SADC Ministerial Committee (MCO) of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The meeting is taking place at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam ahead of the 27th MCO scheduled from this Thursday and Friday.

“It is comforting to note that during the review period, the region remained relatively stable, except for persistent security challenges in eastern DRC,” said Amb Shelukindo.

He noted that the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC continues to create a serious security vacuum, stressing the need for concerted regional and continental interventions to resolve the crisis.

Amb Shelukindo said SADC has played an active role in the DRC through the deployment of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) since 2023, which has significantly contributed to the government’s peace efforts.

However, he stressed that a transition from military-focused strategies to diplomatic and political solutions is necessary for sustainable peace.

Amb Shelukindo also praised ongoing international peace initiatives, particularly those spearheaded by the United States and Qatar and called for stronger coordination across all levels.

“It is imperative that we strengthen coordination and engagement at regional, continental and international levels to ensure our efforts are efficient, cost-effective, harmonised and strategic,” he said.

He further warned that transnational crimes, including cybercrime, vehicle theft, human trafficking and drug trafficking are posing serious threats to the region’s stability and the realisation of the SADC Vision 2050.

He urged for enhanced regional mechanisms to prevent and combat such crimes.

He also commended member states for the peaceful conduct of elections in several countries, reaffirming the importance of democratic governance in maintaining political and security stability.

On his part, the Director of the SADC Organ, Professor Kula Ishmael, commended member states for their continued commitment to regional peace and stability.

However, Prof Ishmael also cautioned about rising internal and external challenges, including shifting global power dynamics and evolving diplomatic relations, particularly between Africa and the United States. He noted that these changing dynamics place the region at a crossroads and called for renewed regional solidarity.

“As traditional international support mechanisms evolve, including shifts in US foreign policy towards Africa, it becomes increasingly important for the region to adopt more proactive and self-reliant approaches,” Prof Ishmael said.

The 27th MCO high-level meeting scheduled for this Thursday and Friday will bring together Ministers and Senior Officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Home Affairs and Public Security from all 16 SADC member states.

The meeting will be chaired by Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahamoud Thabit Kombo.

Delegates will deliberate on regional peace, political stability and security challenges, assess progress and outline strategic actions to address current threats.

Held annually, the MCO meeting is one of SADC’s key decision-making bodies on political, defence and security matters.

This year’s gathering is particularly significant, as Tanzania currently holds the Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, a position assumed during the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government on August 18, 2024.

Upon taking over the role, President Samia Suluhu Hassan was appointed Chairperson of the Organ for a one-year term, set to conclude in August this year.

During her tenure, Tanzania has taken a leading role in promoting regional peace and political cooperation, in line with the SADC Treaty and Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (2001).

Under Tanzania’s leadership, four SADC Electoral Observation Missions (SEOMs) were deployed between October and November 2024 to Mozambique, Botswana, Mauritius and Namibia.

These missions, led by Tanzanian dignitaries appointed by President Samia, underscored the country’s dedication to peaceful democratic processes and regional stability.

During this period, Tanzania successfully hosted and coordinated several high-level strategic meetings, including five Extraordinary Organ Troika Summits between November 2024 and March 2025, focusing on peace and security in the region.

On February 8, 2025, Tanzania hosted a historic Joint Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and SADC Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam, aimed at addressing the security situation and peace restoration efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

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