The SADC has decided to end its military mission in the DRC after losing soldiers in conflict. The mandate for the SADC Mission (SAMIDRC) has been revoked, and troops are to withdraw. The summit emphasized urgency in addressing the conflict, coinciding with scheduled peace talks between the DRC and the M23 armed group.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced the termination of its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a significant loss of soldiers in January. The decision was made during a virtual summit attended by the 16-member bloc, addressing the ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly three decades and resulted in millions of casualties.
As stated at the summit, the mandate for the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) has been officially revoked, and a phased withdrawal of troops is to commence. SAMIDRC was originally deployed in December 2023 to assist the DRC government in restoring peace and security amid the tumultuous environment.
The loss of 14 South African soldiers during the January conflict contributed to the calls for withdrawal, as well as incidents involving three Malawian troops from the SADC mission. The South African military deployment is estimated to consist of around 1,000 soldiers, with additional forces from Tanzania, although the exact troop numbers are undisclosed. Reports indicate that remaining soldiers are currently confined to their base due to the growing threat from M23 militants.
In this context, SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the need for a “greater sense of urgency” toward resolving the conflict, which he warned could lead to wider regional instability. The summit followed an announcement from Angola regarding upcoming peace talks between the DRC and the M23 group, set to begin next Tuesday.
Angola’s office confirmed that direct negotiations will start on March 18 in Luanda, facilitated by Angolan mediation efforts. This development follows a meeting between Angolan President Joao Lourenco and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, despite Tshisekedi’s prior hesitance to engage with M23, which is accused of receiving assistance from Rwanda, a claim that Rwanda denies. The DRC government’s reports suggest that the M23’s actions have resulted in over 7,000 fatalities since early 2025, although this figure remains unverified.
The SADC’s decision to conclude its military mission in the DRC reflects the challenges faced by troops amid a prolonged and devastating conflict. The emphasis on initiating peace talks signifies a shift towards dialogue, with Angola’s role in mediation potentially paving the way for greater stability in the region. However, the conflicting narratives regarding support for M23 illustrate the complexities that must be navigated to reach a sustainable resolution.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
