SADC Announces Phased Withdrawal of Troops from DRC Following Summit Decision

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced on Thursday that its regional summit had ended the mandate for the troop deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo and decided on a “phased withdrawal.” This decision was outlined in a communique released after the summit.
SADC deployed troops to Congo in December 2023 to support the Congolese army in combating rebel groups. Although the mission’s mandate was extended in late 2023, it faced significant challenges, including casualties in 2025. Troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi were deployed to stabilize eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have been active. Following the deaths of 14 South African and three Malawian peacekeepers in January, public opposition to the mission grew.
Following a virtual meeting of the SADC bloc, which includes Congo, the decision to withdraw the peacekeepers was made. Angola also announced plans to host peace talks between the Congolese government and M23 rebels. While no specific timeline for the withdrawal was given, the process will occur in phases.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola called for the withdrawal of all non-invited forces in the region and stressed the need for a ceasefire. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed support for the peace talks and underscored the importance of ongoing humanitarian and political assistance to ensure the ceasefire holds.
The SADC mission, part of a broader force presence in the region, faced difficulties in an area rich in mineral resources but plagued by armed groups fighting for control and territory. Some of these groups have been accused of committing mass killings and ethnic cleansing. The M23 rebels, with support from Rwanda, have taken control of key cities in eastern Congo, worsening the humanitarian crisis, which has displaced over 7 million people.
The decision to withdraw came after M23 seized Goma and Bukavu and amid the deaths of several peacekeepers in January. SADC had extended the mission’s mandate until 2024, and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, SADC’s chairman, called for continued support for the safe withdrawal of troops and stressed the importance of dialogue for lasting peace in the region.