SADC to Begin Phased Withdrawal of Troops from DRC Amid Ongoing Crisis

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a phased withdrawal of its peacekeeping troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ending the mission that began in December 2023 amid worsening violence in the country’s eastern provinces.

The decision was confirmed on Thursday following an emergency summit of regional leaders. The summit highlighted serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the DRC, including the capture of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, and the closure of vital supply routes needed for humanitarian aid.

Mandate Ends for Regional Force

The SADC leaders officially terminated the mandate of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and instructed member states to begin gradually pulling out their forces.

The statement called for urgent humanitarian intervention, appealing to global partners such as the United Nations and African Union to assist the millions affected by the ongoing conflict.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), violence between the DRC’s army and the M23 rebel group—reportedly supported by Rwanda—has resulted in thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and the destruction of key health infrastructure.

“Hospitals and morgues are overwhelmed,” said the WHO. “Since January, over 3,000 injuries and more than 800 deaths have been recorded in just 31 medical facilities around Goma.”

South Africa Faces Domestic Pressure

South Africa, which deployed nearly 3,000 soldiers to the mission, has faced mounting domestic criticism, especially after more than a dozen troops were killed in combat earlier this year.

Just a day before the SADC withdrawal announcement, South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed in the national budget that R5 billion would be allocated to support the defence department’s peacekeeping efforts in the DRC—adding to the growing scrutiny over the financial and human cost of the deployment.

Push for Diplomacy Amid Crisis

In its closing remarks, SADC urged all stakeholders in the DRC—including government forces, armed groups, and civil society—to commit to a diplomatic solution to end the crisis.

The summit welcomed a recent UN Security Council resolution supporting ongoing regional efforts under the Luanda and Nairobi peace frameworks.

Despite the withdrawal, SADC reaffirmed its support for long-term peace in the DRC, calling for sustained dialogue and multilateral cooperation to restore stability.

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Sourced:Mail & Gaurdian