24 Feb 2021

SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chairperson Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has condemned the February 22 killing of the Italian ambassador to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Mr Luca Attanasio.

In a media statement released by Southern African Development Community (SADC), Dr Masisi describes Mr Attanasio’s killing,  along with his bodyguard and driver,  as barbaric and heinous.

The three were killed near Goma in the DRC’s Northern Kivu Province whilst on a mission to assist local communities.

Dr Masisi says the unfortunate development is a serious setback to ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the eastern part of the DRC.

It threatens not only peace and stability in the DRC but also that of the region as a whole, he says. 

This, he says, calls for a thorough assessment of the security situation in that part of the DRC as the United Nations Mission was working on its withdrawal process from the country.

On behalf of SADC, he expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the governments of the DRC and Italy on the untimely demise of their loved ones. ENDS