The ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a new turn with the intervention of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional bloc consisting of 16 member states. During an extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SADC on January 31, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, the bloc reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the DRC in its fight against rebel forces, allegedly backed by Rwanda.

The SADC expressed its "unwavering commitment" to continue supporting the DRC in its efforts to protect its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The bloc condemned attacks on South African peacekeepers by M23 and RDF, citing violations of the Luanda ceasefire and threats to regional stability. The Summit also called for the immediate restoration of essential utilities and expressed concern over worsening security and humanitarian conditions in the DRC.

The conflict has sparked a diplomatic row, with South Africa and Rwanda engaging in a war of words. Tensions between the two countries reached a critical level after President Cyril Ramaphosa accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of killing South African peacekeepers in the DRC. In response, South Africa issued a strong diplomatic warning, cautioning that further attacks on its troops would be treated as a "declaration of war".

Rwandan President Paul Kagame fired back, condemning South Africa's involvement and accusing it of being part of a "belligerent force" supporting the Congolese government in fighting "against its own people." Despite the escalating tensions, Kagame agreed with the US government on the need for a ceasefire in eastern Congo, but refused to withdraw Rwandan troops and M23 rebels from Goma.

The SADC Summit reiterated support for diplomatic efforts led by Angola and Kenya and called for urgent ministerial visits to ensure troop safety and repatriate casualties. The bloc also urged a joint SADC-EAC meeting to address the crisis, mandated SADC's Organ Troika to engage all parties in ceasefire negotiations, and called for renewed political and diplomatic dialogue to restore peace in Eastern DRC.

The situation remains volatile, with the international community calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The SADC's intervention is a significant development in the crisis, as it brings together 16 member states to address the regional implications of the conflict. The bloc's commitment to supporting the DRC and condemning attacks on peacekeepers is a crucial step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.

As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how the SADC's intervention will impact the situation on the ground. With the lives of millions of people at stake, it is imperative that a peaceful resolution is reached as soon as possible.