Maseru
An official engagement hosted by Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane took place at State House on February 4, shedding light on the outcomes of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extra Ordinary Summit. The event, which took place in Harare, Zimbabwe, on January 31, focused on addressing the escalating security concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Prime Minister Matekane shared his participation in the summit alongside fellow SADC Heads of State and Government, where the primary discussion centered around the increasing threats posed by the M23 rebel group in the DRC. These rebel attacks have targeted peacekeeping troops from the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), intensifying tensions in the region and further exacerbating humanitarian crises.
“The recent M23 rebel attacks on peacekeeping troops have escalated tensions, threatening regional stability and worsening humanitarian conditions. We cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost,” he said during the engagement.
He expressed his sorrow over the loss of soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, who died due to ongoing attacks. He reiterated the commitment of SADC member states to finding a resolution to the crisis.
In response to the escalating situation, SADC leaders have taken significant steps to address the crisis, including, deploying ministers of defense and chiefs of defense to assess the security situation and ensure the protection of peacekeeping personnel. Calling for a joint summit with the East African Community (EAC) to develop a unified approach to restoring peace.
Along with intensifying diplomatic efforts through the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes to negotiate a sustainable ceasefire, and working to restore basic services such as water, electricity and humanitarian aid corridors to support affected communities.
Matekane emphasized Lesotho’s support for the DRC’s sovereignty and peace efforts. “Lesotho stands firmly with the DRC in its pursuit of sovereignty and lasting peace,” he said. “We will continue to play our part in ensuring that Africa moves towards a future free from violence and instability.”
