The just-ended SADC Extraordinary Summit has reiterated the region's commitment expressed in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact as it extends its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Pact states that "an armed attack against one shall be deemed a threat to regional peace and security".

The extension of SADC's peacekeeping mission in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for another year is consistent with the provisions of the Mutual Defence Pact.

The ripple effect of the conflict has been the deteriorating humanitarian situation, and the summit reiterated SADC's support to the government of DRC for the achievement of lasting peace.

More than 6.9 million people have since been displaced internally, and a countless number of civilians killed, including women and children.

Regional leaders have also observed violations of the ceasefire deal reached in August this year between the governments of DRC and Rwanda, brokered through the Luanda Peace process of 2023.

Meanwhile, the violence that erupted immediately after the elections in Mozambique also formed part of the deliberations at the SADC extraordinary summit.

President Jacinto Nyusi presented the report of the situation, which has seen hundreds protesting against the election results, which they say were rigged.

SADC says it would work through the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation to ensure peace, security, and stability in the natural gas-rich country.