SADC withdraws troops from DRC

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has begun the phased withdrawal of troops deployed to restore peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in December 2023.

The decision was made yesterday at the virtual extraordinary summit of heads of state and government, where SADC chairperson president Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) troops.

SAMIDRC forces from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania collaborated with the DRC armed forces against the M23 rebel group, resulting in casualties among these troops.

Namibia has contributed about N$90 million to the mission.

The summit expressed its condolences to these countries and to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives while serving under the SAMIDRC. It also wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Mnangagwa said the SADC welcomes efforts by the international community to end the conflict, particularly the adoption of Resolution 2773 by the United Nations Security Council, which resonates with the ongoing initiatives by African regional bodies, the African Union, East African Community, Economic Community of Central African States, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

The resolution, passed unanimously in February 2024, condemns the M23 offensive, calls for an immediate ceasefire, and demands that Rwanda withdraw its troops from the DRC.

“The SADC remains cognisant of the fact that the repercussions of the instability extended beyond the DRC borders are affecting the broader region at large. It remains crucial going forward, that we infuse a greater sense of urgency in our respective work plans.

“The SADC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable peace, security and development,” Mnangagwa said.

SADC executive secretary Elias Magosi highlighted the worsening security situation in eastern DRC, citing continued M23 attacks on DRC forces, SAMIDRC troops, and civilians.

The conflict has led to city captures, civilian casualties, and a surge in internally displaced persons, particularly affecting women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Magosi stressed that the crisis is worsened by the blockade of main supply routes and the M23 armed group’s capture of Goma International Airport and Kavumu Airport in Bukavu.

He urged urgent diplomatic efforts to reopen these airports to facilitate humanitarian aid and allow SADC to find an immediate solution for the mission.