By McGeorge Mbare
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson and Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has voiced his concern over the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Following the high tensions and security threats between regional troops and M23 rebels in Goma that claimed lives of nine South African soldiers the SADC Chairman was moved to add his voice condemning the escalating violence.
In a statement, President Mnangagwa condemned the attacks on United Nations (UN) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeepers and affirmed the regional body’s commitment to addressing the worsening security crisis in the area.
“SADC unequivocally condemns this act of aggression by the M23 operating in the Eastern DRC, such actions undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace and security of the DRC and the SADC region,” read the statement.
The M23 rebels have taken control of Goma, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
The SADC secretariat also extended its condolences to the families of the peacekeepers and wished those injured a speedy recovery