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.
More To Read
- US sanctions armed group, companies profiting from illegal mining in DRC
- More than three million displaced people return home in DRC despite ongoing conflict
- DRC refugees begin returning home despite uncertainty ahead
- For Harambee Stars Sh600 million CHAN pledge, Ruto to pay Sh530 million out of pocket - PS Mwangi
- Rwanda Parliament dismisses 'unfounded allegations' by Congo house speaker
- EAC, SADC agree on unified framework to speed up peace process in eastern DRC
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."
Top Stories Today
- Over 300 Shakahola victims still unidentified as DNA delays stall burials
- How solar drip irrigation is fighting hunger and poverty in Kwale
- Loan defaults surged to 17 per cent in 2024 due to tough business climate - CBK
- Mobile money use in Kenya hits Sh724.8 billion monthly in 2024
- Sheria Mtaani moves to court challenging takeover of police payroll by IG
- Explosive hits Mandera home as Somali forces clash near border