SADC begins phased withdrawal of peacekeeping force from eastern DR Congo
The phased withdrawal, which began on April 29, 2025, marks the conclusion of a mission launched in December 2023 to stabilise and restore peace in one of Africa’s most volatile zones.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially commenced the withdrawal of its regional peacekeeping force, the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), from the conflict-affected eastern region of the DRC.
The phased withdrawal, which began on April 29, 2025, marks the conclusion of a mission launched in December 2023 to stabilise and restore peace in one of Africa’s most volatile zones.
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SAMIDRC forces were first deployed on December 15, 2023, tasked with bolstering regional peace and responding to rising insecurity in the eastern DRC.
“SADC withdrawal from the eastern DRC is in accordance with the directive of the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held on 13 March 2025, which announced the termination of the SAMIDRC mandate and endorsed the phased withdrawal of the Mission,” stated SADC in a statement.
According to SADC, the drawdown is being conducted by road, with troops transiting through the Republic of Rwanda en route to their respective Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), which include Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania.
"The withdrawal is being conducted by road, transiting through the Republic of Rwanda to the respective Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs)."
The decision to terminate the SAMIDRC mandate was reached during the extraordinary summit of SADC heads of state and government, held on March 13, 2025.
At this summit, SADC endorsed a structured withdrawal strategy, marking the end of a year-long military operation aimed at restoring peace and stability amid ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
Further support for the withdrawal came from high-level engagements held on 28 March 2025 in Goma, DRC, involving the Chiefs of Defence Forces from the TCCs and representatives of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Movement of 23 March (AFC/M23).
SADC reiterated its continued dedication to promoting peace and security in the region.
"SADC reaffirms its continued commitment to regional peace and security and remains engaged in supporting diplomatic and political efforts towards a sustainable resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC."
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