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[QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24093, member: 2262"]
SADC Sends Military Chiefs to Congo After Rebel Attacks.

Southern African leaders ordered defense ministers to Congo Friday to help wounded troops and bring fallen soldiers home. The order came at an emergency meeting in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare.

The summit focused on M23 rebels who seized Goma, eastern Congo's largest city. Leaders blamed Rwanda for backing the rebels, but Rwanda denied involvement.

Several peacekeepers from Congo, Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania died in recent fighting near Sake town. The leaders sent condolences and wished injured troops a quick recovery.

The group condemned M23 attacks on SADC forces, saying these broke a July 2024 peace deal. They warned the violence threatens both Congo and the southern African region.

"The rebels hurt our troops, harmed civilians, and blocked basic services," the summit statement said. Leaders demanded the return of water, power, and food supplies to affected areas.

SADC first sent peacekeepers to Congo in May 2023 to protect its borders. The mission failed to stop rebel advances.

The summit backed peace talks led by Angola's President João Lourenço and former Kenyan leader Uhuru Kenyatta. They called for a meeting with East African nations about the crisis.

Leaders asked the SADC security team to talk with all sides. They want to stop the fighting and let aid reach people in need.

The group urged politicians and diplomats to join peace efforts through existing programs, including UN peacekeepers in Congo.
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