The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has terminated the mandate of its regional military intervention force in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and ordered a phased withdrawal of troops.
The decision was made during a virtual extraordinary summit on Thursday, chaired by Zimbabwean President and SADC Chairperson Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, SADC confirmed the end of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and emphasised its commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts to restore peace in the conflict-ridden region.
“Summit terminated the mandate of SAMIDRC and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC,” the regional bloc said.
SADC deployed SAMIDRC in late 2023 to assist the Congolese government in countering the M23 rebel insurgency, which has destabilised the eastern provinces.
However, the mission faced significant challenges, including fierce rebel resistance and logistical constraints.
Troops from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania bore the brunt of the conflict, suffering casualties in clashes with M23 fighters.
South Africa, in particular, lost several soldiers in recent months, prompting growing domestic pressure to reassess the deployment.
Malawi and Tanzania also reported losses, with military officials citing the intensity of rebel attacks and difficult terrain as key operational challenges.
The decision to withdraw follows months of deliberations over the effectiveness of the regional intervention amid worsening security conditions.
Despite ending the military mission, SADC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the DRC in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The regional bloc stressed the need for a political and diplomatic resolution involving all stakeholders, including state and non-state actors, to bring lasting peace to the region.
The communique noted that SADC remained dedicated to addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC and would continue to support interventions aimed at achieving sustainable peace and security.
The eastern DRC has been plagued by violence for decades, with armed groups – including the M23 – fighting for territorial control.
The latest escalation has displaced thousands, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
As SADC begins withdrawing its forces, attention would now turn to diplomatic efforts, including initiatives under the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, to prevent further deterioration of the fragile security situation.
JN/APA