SADC ends military mission in DRC, shifts focus to peace talks

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a phased withdrawal of its peacekeeping troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following a year of escalating conflict with M23 rebels.
This decision, made during an extraordinary summit held on Thursday (13 March), reflects the regional bloc’s shift towards pursuing a political solution after the mission faced significant challenges. Deployed in December 2023, the SADC mission (SAMIDRC) aimed to help the Congolese government restore stability in the volatile eastern regions, where M23 rebels recently seized key cities like Goma and Bukavu. Despite its efforts, the mission has seen substantial losses, with at least 20 soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania killed during clashes with M23 forces. With the security situation continuing to deteriorate, SADC leaders acknowledged the increasing humanitarian crisis, including the blockade of critical supply routes, further complicating aid distribution.
Angola, a key player in the region, has facilitated peace talks between the DRC and M23, which are set to begin on 18 March in Luanda. This diplomatic initiative is seen as a critical step towards resolving the decades-long conflict. “Summit reiterated the need for a political and diplomatic solution with all parties including state, non-state parties, military and non-military in the eastern DRC for the restoration of peace, security and tranquility in the country,” said a communique issued after the summit. While the withdrawal of SADC troops marks the end of a military approach, the focus now shifts to dialogue, with leaders calling for an inclusive political process to ensure lasting peace in the region. The SADC’s move also highlights the growing urgency for a comprehensive resolution to the crisis that has displaced millions and destabilized the region.