The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced plans for a “phased withdrawal” of its military deployment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The decision follows mounting losses among SADC troops, who have been engaged in efforts to stabilize the war-torn eastern regions of the country.

Leaders of the 16-nation regional bloc convened a virtual summit on Thursday to discuss the ongoing crisis. In a communique released following the summit, SADC stated that its mission in the DRC, known as SAMIDRC, would be “terminated … and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops.”

The conflict in the eastern DRC has been raging for decades, but recent escalations have seen M23 rebels seize vast mineral-rich territories, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu. The Congolese government estimates that at least 7,000 people have died since January as a result of the fighting.

Although SADC officials did not disclose the total number of troops deployed, many come from South Africa, which is believed to have sent at least 1,000 soldiers. South Africa has suffered significant losses, with 14 of its troops killed in January alone.

Most of these fatalities were among SADC peacekeepers, while at least two soldiers were part of a separate United Nations mission in the region. Additionally, three Malawian troops within the SADC force have also lost their lives.

SAMIDRC forces were deployed to the eastern DRC in December 2023 to support government efforts in curbing attacks by armed groups, including M23. However, as casualties rise and peace talks gain traction, SADC leaders now see an opportunity to withdraw their forces.

Talks Between DRC and M23 Rebels

Opening Thursday’s summit, SADC chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa called for a “greater sense of urgency” in resolving the crisis. He emphasized that the violence in the DRC had destabilizing effects beyond the country’s borders and noted that reassessing the mission’s mandate was “timely.”

SADC to Withdraw Troops From DRC Conflict — President Emmerson Mnangagwa

Meanwhile, Angola’s presidential office announced that direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23 rebels would commence on March 18 in Luanda.

Angolan President João Lourenço recently met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, who had previously refused to engage in dialogue with M23, citing its alleged backing by Rwanda. Kinshasa has long accused Kigali of providing military support to the rebel group, a claim Rwanda denies.

On Thursday, two Congolese government sources said that the Angolan mediation efforts were under serious consideration.

“This is a process that is beginning. Kinshasa wants it to be short, but it could be long, and it will be up to the head of state to decide on the people who will represent the government side.”
Congolese government sources

Another official stressed that even if negotiations take place with M23, Kinshasa would not ignore Rwanda’s alleged role in the conflict. “Even if there is direct contact with M23, this will not exclude Kigali’s responsibility,” the source added.

The withdrawal of SADC troops presents both an opportunity for peace talks and a challenge for President Tshisekedi, who has faced mounting criticism over his handling of the crisis. Some analysts view the troop pullout as a potential setback for his government’s efforts to push back against rebel advances.

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe welcomed the decision, stating that it was “a good decision that will contribute to peace” in eastern DRC.

UN experts have previously reported that Rwanda maintains an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 troops in eastern DRC in support of M23, though Kigali continues to deny any military involvement.

With SADC troops preparing to exit and peace talks set to begin, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can finally bring lasting stability to one of Africa’s most conflict-ridden regions.