The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has convened an emergency virtual summit of the Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to address the deteriorating security situation in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The meeting, held on June 22, 2026, was chaired by Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, Second Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika, current SADC Organ Chairperson.

In a statement released following the summit, SADC reaffirmed its commitment to “safeguarding peace, consolidating democracy, and promoting stability and regional integration” across member states. The regional bloc expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence in eastern DRC, noting that the instability threatens not only national peace but also regional cooperation efforts.

Call for immediate implementation of peace agreements

The SADC Troika emphasized the urgent need for all parties involved in the conflict to fully comply with the provisions outlined in the Doha and Washington accords, particularly those pertaining to the ceasefire. “The Troika underscored that African-led peace processes, supported by international efforts, remain crucial to achieving lasting stability, resilience, and enduring peace in the region,” the statement read.

The summit also took note of the renewed Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, expressing solidarity with the Congolese people. Regional leaders warned that continued instability could undermine years of progress in regional integration and cooperation.

Next steps and regional solidarity

Following the meeting, the SADC Troika formulated a series of recommendations, which will be presented for consideration at the upcoming 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government. The summit, scheduled for August 16-17, 2026 in Durban, South Africa, will mark the beginning of South Africa’s 12-month presidency of the regional bloc.

SADC’s intervention comes at a critical juncture, as diplomatic efforts—including the Washington and Doha processes—aimed at securing a durable ceasefire and restarting dialogue between conflict parties have yet to yield tangible results on the ground. Hostilities between rebel groups and government forces continue unabated, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.

Analysts warn that persistent gaps between diplomatic commitments and ground realities risk further destabilization. “Each party continues to interpret the accords in ways that suit their interests, making implementation increasingly uncertain,” noted a regional security analyst. “Without strict adherence, the prospects for lasting peace remain fragile.”