President Hakainde Hichilema was among the Heads of State and Government who attended the virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit to receive the report from the virtual Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit, held on March 6, 2025.

This was on the prevailing security and humanitarian situation in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and also the review of the mandate of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

Closing the Virtue meeting, SADC Chairperson, Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that SADC has resolved to withdraw the SAMIDRC troops from the eastern DRC.

ZANIS reports that Dr Mnangagwa who is also President of Zimbabwe added that the Summit empahasised dedication to addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC, while reaffirming its commitment to support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace and security in the Eastern DRC.

Dr Mnangagwa reiterated the need to implement the decision from the joint Summit of the East African Community and SADC to merge the Luanda and Nairobi process and inclusion of more facilitators to enhance the peace building process.

Outlining the resolutions of the virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi disclosed that the summit was concerned with the continued deterioration of the security situation in the eastern DRC, including the capturing of GOMA and Bukavu cities.

Mr Magosi added that the Summit called for protection and free movement of civilians seeking safety and for all parties to uphold international humanitarian principles by stopping attacks on civilians, infrastructure and guarantee unhindered humanitarian access.