Staff Reporter
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has condemned the recent attack by M23 rebels against members of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
The attack occurred in Goma, in the DRC’s North Kivu province, on Wednesday, 22 January 2025.
A statement issued by the SADC secretariat in Botswana added that SAMIDRC retaliated and successfully repelled the attack, which it condemned and described as an “act of aggression by the M23 operating in the Eastern DRC.”
PICTURED: Rwandan security officers receive humanitarian staff and their families fleeing from Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following fighting between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Gisenyi, Rwanda. Photos: Reuters 
PICTURED: Rwandan security officers receive humanitarian staff and their families fleeing from Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following fighting between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Gisenyi, Rwanda. Photos: Reuters
According to SADC, such actions undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace, and security of the DRC and the SADC region.
The statement highlighted that the pursuit of territorial expansion by M23 only exacerbates the already dire humanitarian and security situation in Eastern DRC, which has left thousands of people dead and forced millions in North Kivu—particularly women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—to flee their homes.
SADC commended the actions of “the brave men and women from SAMIDRC” who have sacrificed their lives for the region.
According to the statement, the actions of the M23 armed group contravene the Nairobi Peace Process and clearly violate the agreed ceasefire brokered through the Luanda Process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço in his capacity as the AU Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa.
“We, therefore, call on all parties in the conflict to adhere to their obligations in the ceasefire, calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities and atrocities perpetrated by M23 as well as unconditional withdrawal from all occupied positions.”
SADC further encourages all parties to the conflict in Eastern DRC to comply with the terms and conditions of the existing peace agreements and to engage in dialogue for lasting peace, security, and stability in the DRC and the region.
SADC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable peace, security, and development. To this end, SAMIDRC will remain resolute in supporting efforts aimed at addressing the unstable and deteriorating security and humanitarian situation prevailing in Eastern DRC.
The SADC statement further said:
“We call upon the international community, including the United Nations, to join us in denouncing these unlawful actions by the M23. The SADC region reiterates its solidarity with the people of the DRC and commends them for their resilience against the brutal actions perpetrated by the M23 and other armed groups.
SADC wishes those who were injured a speedy recovery and sends its heartfelt condolences to the countries and families of the deceased.”
