The SADC has decided to end its military mission in the eastern DRC due to losses suffered in January. The decision was made during a virtual summit as calls for troop withdrawal intensify amidst ongoing conflict involving the M23 militia. Peace talks are set to begin soon, highlighting efforts toward resolving the long-standing unrest in the region.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has resolved to terminate its military operation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where it suffered the loss of at least twelve soldiers in January. This decision was made during a virtual summit held by the regional bloc, which comprises 16 nations and addressed the ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly three decades, resulting in millions of casualties.
In a formal statement, SADC announced that it has “terminated the mandate of SAMIDRC and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC.” The SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) was deployed in December 2023 to assist the DRC government in restoring peace and security in the region.
The conflict’s toll on military personnel was significant, as South Africa lost 14 soldiers during the conflict, with the majority being part of the SAMIDRC mission, while two others were under a separate UN peacekeeping mission. Additionally, three soldiers from Malawi were reported killed. Though no official numbers regarding the troop strength have been disclosed, it is estimated that South Africa contributed at least 1,000 soldiers to the mission, which also includes troops from Tanzania.
Calls for the withdrawal of South African soldiers have intensified, with reports indicating they have been restricted to their base due to pressures from M23 fighters, a militia that has captured significant areas, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu, since January. The virtual summit coincided with Angola’s announcement of upcoming peace talks between the DRC and the M23.
The SADC summit was chaired by the Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who urged for a “greater sense of urgency” to resolve the conflict, emphasizing that this turmoil could influence stability beyond the DRC’s borders. He underscored the necessity of inclusive dialogue and asserted that the review of the SAMIDRC mandate was a timely move.
In parallel, Angola’s presidential office confirmed that direct peace negotiations between the DRC and M23 will commence on March 18 in Luanda. This initiative follows earlier discussions between Angolan President Joao Lourenco and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, who had been reluctant to negotiate with the rebel group due to Rwandan demands.
Notably, reports from UN officials suggest that Rwanda continues to deploy approximately 4,000 troops in eastern DRC in support of M23, a claim that Rwanda refutes. The DRC alleges that the M23’s military actions have resulted in over 7,000 fatalities since the start of 2025, a figure that has not been independently verified by AFP.
The decision by SADC to conclude its military mission in the DRC underscores the ongoing turmoil in the region, where the humanitarian crisis persists amid complex geopolitical dynamics. The planned peace talks in Angola represent a potential step towards conflict resolution, with an emphasis on dialogue and cooperation to restore stability in the troubled eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
