The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has dismissed reports suggesting it has neglected its troops stationed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling the allegations “unfounded and misleading.”
The statement, issued Tuesday, comes after Cape Town-based news outlet News24 claimed logistical failures had affected the movement of South African soldiers.
SADC officials insist that the withdrawal of its troops is proceeding as planned, with all operations following a phased schedule agreed upon by stakeholders.
“SADC wishes to make it unequivocally clear that all operational and logistical arrangements concerning the deployment and phased withdrawal of troops under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) are proceeding in line with the established withdrawal plan, which was jointly agreed upon by all relevant stakeholders,” the regional bloc said.
SADC urged journalists to verify facts before publication, warning that misinformation could undermine regional stability efforts.
It said the SAMIDRC force commander is overseeing the process to ensure it adheres to SADC protocols and international standards.
SAMIDRC – comprising troops from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania – was originally deployed in December 2023 as part of a regional effort to bolster security and counter armed group activity in the eastern provinces of the DRC where fighting has displaced thousands and fuelled a humanitarian crisis.
While SADC remains committed to security efforts, officials stress that diplomatic and political resolutions are essential for lasting peace.
JN/APA