The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation has recommended the deployment of regional forces within the framework of the bloc's standby force to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The two-day Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit, plus the SADC Troika and Force Intervention Brigade, and FIB Troop Contributing Countries, ended in Windhoek.

The deployment is a regional response to support the DRC in restoring peace and security in the eastern part of the country.

It is also informed by the SADC Field Assessment Mission report, whose findings were considered during the Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus.

Latest reports indicate that the security situation continues to deteriorate owing to the presence of multiple armed militias, which are further committing crimes against civilians.

SADC also wants a coordinated approach to ending the conflict in the mineral-rich DRC, given the multiple force deployments under bilateral and multilateral arrangements in the eastern parts.

Apart from the SADC Force Intervention Brigade embedded within the UN Stabilisation Mission in the DRC, the East African Community, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, and the Economic Community for Central African States all have troops on the ground.

The DRC is a member of all these regional groupings, and coordination to combat the insurgency has been a challenge.

DRC is set to hold elections in December this year, with President Felix Tshisekedi having confirmed last year that the polls would go ahead as planned.

SADC says consolidating gains made to ensure a peaceful transfer of power during the 2018 elections remains key, in accordance with the region's election guidelines.