This emerged after regional leaders - including the presidents of the DRC Joseph Kabila Kabange, Namibia Hifikepunye Pohamba, Malawi Joyce Banda, Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete, Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, South Africa's international relations minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and executive secretary of SADC Stergomena Lawrence Tax - attended the Summit of the Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in Windhoek, Namibia.
"[The] summit expressed concern at the deployment of Rwandan troops along the common border with the DRC and also expressed the hope that Rwanda is not contemplating invading the DRC, for that will complicate the already delicate situation," said a statement issued on Saturday.
Leaders thrashed out the political and security situation in the region, developments in the eastern DRC and Madagascar.
Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa were commended for deploying forces under the auspices of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
About 1,345 South African soldiers are among the MONUSCO participants, while Tanzania and Malawi have also committed to contributing troops to the brigade, whose mission is to engage with rebels in the troubled DRC region.
The summit appealed to the neighbours of the DRC and all nations to contribute to peace, security and stability of the DRC, while it also urged the international community to increase its humanitarian support to alleviate the suffering of the populations in the eastern DRC.
"The summit welcomed the Declaration of the Kampala Extraordinary Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Heads of State and Government on 5 September 2013, especially on the call for the resumption of talks between the DRC government and the M23, and that the talks be completed within 14 days," said the statement.
The summit demanded that the M23 rebels put an end to all military activities, and stop war and threats of overthrowing the lawful government of the DRC.
Leaders directed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat to urgently consult with the ICGLR Secretariat to prepare for a joint SADC/ICGLR summit to take place as soon as possible.
On developments in Madagascar, the summit noted satisfactorily that the situation was calm in that country.
"The summit noted with satisfaction that the situation in Madagascar is calm following the decision of the reformed Special Electoral Court, which withdrew the nine candidates, including Lalao Ravalomanana, Andry Rajoelina and Didier Ratsiraka."
Last month, the court took a decision regarding the list of candidates for the presidential election that would mark the conclusion of the crisis exit process and the restoration of constitutional order. Their removal was because the personalities did not meet the conditions laid down by the Malagasy Constitution and electoral law, among others.
Madagascar was banned from SADC membership following a military takeover of government in 2009, which SADC has been trying to resolve.
Former Mozambican President and SADC mediator on Madagascar Joaquim Chissano and Tanzanian President Kikwete were commended for their tireless efforts in ensuring that country returns to constitutional normalcy.
The summit commended the Special Electoral Court for restoring the legality of the presidential candidates.
It also directed the SADC Secretariat to facilitate the deployment of SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) to the Madagascar presidential elections scheduled for 25 October.
SAnews.gov.za is a South African government news service, published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). SAnews.gov.za (formerly BuaNews) was established to provide quick and easy access to articles and feature stories aimed at keeping the public informed about the implementation of government mandates.
Go to: http://www.sanews.gov.za
