The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has strongly condemned the recent attacks on the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) by the M23 armed group.

SADC stated that these attacks violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace and security of both the DRC and the wider SADC region. Tragically, the assaults have resulted in the deaths of three Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers and nine South African soldiers.

In its statement, SADC emphasized that the actions of the M23 violate the Nairobi Peace Process and breach the ceasefire agreed upon under the Luanda Process, which was facilitated by Angola’s President João Lourenço.

SADC has expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and extended wishes for a swift recovery to those injured.