This summit took place in Windhoek, Namibia, on February 25, 2024, shortly after the attendance of these leaders at the funeral of President Hage Geingob of Namibia, who passed away on February 4. President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi also participated in the discussions.

In response to the conflict, both South Africa and Malawi have deployed troops to the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission aimed at countering the armed group M23. Additionally, Burundi has contributed troops under a bilateral agreement.

The office of the President of the DRC noted that a substantial delegation from the Congolese government, including officials and military personnel, accompanied President Tshisekedi to the meeting.

Similarly, the office of the President of Burundi reported that the heads of state deliberated on their respective roles in restoring peace and security in eastern DRC. They emphasized their shared commitment to this goal, particularly given their nations’ deployment of troops in the region.

Prior to this meeting, Tshisekedi, Ndayishimiye, and Ramaphosa had convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 18, 2024, where they also discussed their countries’ contributions to combating the M23 group.