The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has begun withdrawing its military forces from the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a significant step in the conclusion of the SADC Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC). The phased operation will see troops from Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa return home by road via Rwanda.
This drawdown follows a directive issued during an Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government on March 13, 2025, which officially ended the SAMIDRC mandate. The summit’s decision prompted an immediate and structured exit strategy for the regional force deployed in December 2023 to stabilize the conflict-hit zone.
Key military officials from the involved nations met with representatives of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Movement of 23 March (AFC/M23) in Goma on March 28. This engagement helped pave the way for a smoother withdrawal process and emphasized the importance of dialogue over armed confrontation.
The move comes amid ongoing regional diplomacy, with SADC and the East African Community (EAC) reiterating their shared commitment to long-term peace in eastern DRC. Discussions at successive summits in Harare and Dar es Salaam have underscored the urgency of achieving a sustainable political solution to the region’s instability.
