SADC leaders withdraw troops from DRC amid ongoing tensions

 Leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened at an extraordinary summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, where they made the critical decision to terminate the mandate of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and initiate a phased withdrawal of troops. 

This decision reflects escalating violence and security concerns in the region, particularly following the tragic deaths of 18 SADC troops, including 14 from South Africa, in clashes with M23 rebels.

The summit, attended by numerous heads of state, including South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC.

In a statement, the SADC leaders expressed grave concern over the recent capture of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu by M23 rebels, which has severely hindered humanitarian efforts and complicated the conflict landscape.

While the withdrawal is planned in phases, the SADC emphasised its commitment to remain engaged with the political and security developments in the DRC.

 “We reaffirm our dedication to supporting interventions aimed at achieving lasting peace and security in the Eastern DRC,” the statement read, underscoring adherence to the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003.

The decision to dissolve the mission follows weeks of speculation and public outcry regarding its effectiveness. Despite the deployment of SAMIDRC troops in December 2023 to assist the Congolese army in combating rebel forces, the mission struggled to achieve its objectives. 

The worsening security situation prompted a reevaluation, with SADC recognising that military solutions alone are insufficient to address the conflict.

In response, SADC has merged the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes and engaged additional facilitators to enhance peace-building initiatives

“We are committed to supporting the DRC in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while promoting sustainable peace and development,” the statement affirmed.

The summit also extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and expressed solidarity with the governments of South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania. 

Following the termination of the SAMIDRC mandate, efforts to extract remaining troops under M23 control in Sake and Goma are expected to proceed.

Meanwhile, Angola has announced that peace talks between the DRC and the Rwanda-backed M23 will begin on March 18 in Luanda. 

This development follows DRC President Felix Tshisekedi's earlier refusal to engage in dialogue with the M23, despite Rwanda’s involvement.

Experts, including Darren Olivier, Director of the African Defence Review, welcomed the decision to withdraw SAMIDRC forces, noting that the mission’s mandate had become untenable following M23's capture of Goma.

“It has been clear for some time that the mission should be ended and the troops withdrawn. An orderly withdrawal, with equipment intact, is crucial as part of the broader East Africa Community-SADC negotiations,” the Defense Web reported.

As SADC prepares for this phased withdrawal, the focus now shifts to ensuring a coordinated exit strategy while addressing the pressing humanitarian needs in the region. 

The implications of this decision will be closely monitored as the DRC continues to grapple with ongoing conflict and instability.

In a related development, President Tshisekedi has offered the U.S. government part of his country's mineral resources in exchange for security guarantees, highlighting the complex interplay of international relations and local security challenges in the region.

IOL NEWS