Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
By Neo Dube
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced the phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following demands from the M23 rebel group for their exit. This decision, reached during a virtual Extraordinary Summit on March 13, 2025, marks a significant shift in the region’s approach to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. SADC leaders, led by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, reaffirmed their commitment to peace while acknowledging the challenges faced by the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). The withdrawal comes amid escalating tensions and the M23’s capture of key areas, raising concerns about the future of peacekeeping efforts and the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Introduction: A Turning Point in DRC’s Conflict
The conflict in eastern DRC has taken a dramatic turn with the SADC’s decision to pull out its troops. This move follows months of pressure from the M23 rebel group, whose military commander, General Makenga, has repeatedly called for SADC forces to leave. The virtual summit, chaired by President Mnangagwa, highlighted the bloc’s struggle to maintain its military presence amid a worsening security situation. With nearly 2,000 troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania stuck in vulnerable camps, the withdrawal signals a retreat from an ambitious mission that aimed to stabilise the region but faced insurmountable challenges.
This article dives deep into the reasons behind the withdrawal, the challenges faced by SAMIDRC, the complex logistics of pulling out, and the broader implications for civilians and regional stability. Drawing from expert insights, official statements, and recent developments, we explore what this means for the DRC and SADC’s role in African peacekeeping.
SADC’s Decision: A Necessary Retreat
The Extraordinary Summit on March 13, 2025, was a critical moment for SADC. Leaders grappled with the reality that SAMIDRC, launched in December 2023, could no longer fulfil its mandate. President Mnangagwa stressed SADC’s dedication to peace but admitted the mission’s operational difficulties. The M23 rebels, gaining ground in areas like Goma and Sake, have confined SADC troops to their bases, rendering them ineffective.
Professor Thomas Mandrup from Stellenbosch University called the withdrawal inevitable. “There was no other credible solution than to withdraw the force,” he told SABC News, pointing out that the troops are “caught in the camps and at the mercy of the rebels and the Rwandan army.” With M23 controlling key territories, SADC had little choice but to rethink its strategy.
The decision wasn’t taken lightly. South Africa, a major contributor to SAMIDRC, has lost 14 soldiers since the mission began, with a total of 18 SADC troops killed in clashes around Goma and Sake. The rising death toll, combined with the mission’s inability to push back M23, forced SADC leaders to prioritise the safety of their personnel over a prolonged engagement.
The Challenges of SAMIDRC: A Mission in Crisis
SAMIDRC was meant to be a game-changer. Deployed with an offensive mandate to support the Congolese army (FARDC) in neutralising M23 and other rebel groups, the mission included troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania. But from the start, it was plagued by problems.
When the forces arrived in Goma in December 2023, they were unprepared. “They had to go to town to buy food,” Mandrup recalled, exposing the lack of logistical support. Their camps, handed over from the UN, were poorly positioned at the bottom of valleys, making them easy targets for rebel mortar attacks from higher ground. This strategic blunder set the tone for a mission that struggled to gain traction.
Early attempts at offensive operations resulted in losses—seven or eight soldiers died in 2024 alone—prompting a shift to a defensive stance. The fall of Goma, the regional capital, and other key areas to M23 further weakened SAMIDRC’s position. The rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, exploited these weaknesses, leaving SADC troops trapped and unable to move freely.
The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), operating separately with a focus on civilian protection, couldn’t fill the gap. Logistical support from MONUSCO dried up after Goma’s collapse, leaving SAMIDRC isolated. “This has been a badly executed and badly planned mission,” Mandrup said, a sentiment echoed by analysts who see it as a blow to South Africa’s military reputation.
The Withdrawal Process: A Complex Operation
Pulling out nearly 2,000 troops and billions of rands worth of equipment is no simple task. SADC has opted for a phased withdrawal, but the details remain unclear. Sophie Mokoena, SABC’s international news editor, explained, “You can’t take everybody out immediately; you have to prepare for that process.” Negotiations with state actors (like the DRC government) and non-state actors (like M23) are key to ensuring a safe exit.
One major sticking point is the equipment. SADC forces brought in heavy artillery, including G5 systems, and advanced intelligence gear. “It’s billions worth of equipment,” Mandrup noted, highlighting the need to retrieve these assets. But M23 has resisted, saying the troops can leave but must abandon their armaments. This disagreement complicates the withdrawal, as SADC wants to avoid leaving valuable resources in rebel hands or destroying them without a clear plan.
Logistics pose another hurdle. Goma’s airport, a vital hub, is currently unusable due to the conflict. Alternative routes through Burundi, Uganda, or Rwanda are being considered, but each requires cooperation from these countries and the rebels controlling the territory. South Africa’s limited airlift capacity—only one of its 37 C-130 transport aircraft is operational—adds to the challenge. “You need to negotiate access,” Mandrup said, underscoring the delicate diplomacy ahead.
Impact on Civilians: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
The withdrawal leaves civilians in eastern DRC exposed. With M23 advancing and capturing towns like Sake and Goma, thousands have been displaced, and the humanitarian situation is worsening. MONUSCO remains in the DRC with a mandate to protect civilians, but it lacks the capacity to counter the escalating violence. “The civilian population is at the mercy of Rwanda, M23, and other rebel groups,” Mandrup warned.
The UN has pushed for Goma’s airport to reopen to allow aid deliveries, but fighting has kept it closed. SADC’s summit communiqué called for a ceasefire and urgent humanitarian assistance, but with troops leaving, the power vacuum could embolden rebels further. “People have lost everything,” Mokoena said, noting the dire need for support as the war rages on.
Recent reports from the UN indicate over 7 million people are displaced across the DRC, with eastern regions bearing the brunt. The withdrawal risks exacerbating this crisis, as aid agencies struggle to reach those in need amid ongoing clashes.
Regional and International Reactions
The decision has sparked varied responses. In South Africa, families of the fallen soldiers may welcome the withdrawal, relieved to see troops return home. But there’s concern it could embolden M23, destabilising the region further. Neighbouring countries like Rwanda, accused of backing M23, might view this as a win, while Uganda and Burundi brace for potential spillover effects.
Internationally, the UN Security Council is set to review the situation soon. MONUSCO’s mandate, renewed in December 2024 with a focus on civilian protection, may need bolstering. “The UN Security Council will have to react to this,” Mandrup said, suggesting a possible shift in peacekeeping strategy.
Angola’s President João Lourenço has stepped in, announcing a meeting between the DRC government and M23—the first since the war intensified. Scheduled for late March 2025, this could pave the way for a ceasefire or broader peace talks, offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
The Future of Peacekeeping in the DRC
SAMIDRC’s failure raises tough questions about regional peacekeeping. Mandrup called it a “military disaster for South Africa,” pointing to underfunding and poor planning. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is stretched thin, with a budget that’s 65-70% personnel costs—far above the global best practice of 40%. Equipment shortages, like having only one operational C-130, and a top-heavy structure with too many generals, have crippled its effectiveness.
This isn’t South Africa’s first retreat. In 2013, it withdrew from the Central African Republic after a similar debacle. “The political level has known this for years,” Mandrup said, urging a rethink of the SANDF’s role. The recent budget allocation of R5 billion from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is a start, but many see it as “too little, too late.”
SADC remains committed to dialogue, with the summit calling for continued engagement with all parties. The Sun City Agreement, signed in 2003 to end the Second Congo War, was cited by Mokoena as a potential roadmap. “If they can implement that Sun City document, you’ll have a peaceful Congo,” she said, though past failures to enforce it cast doubt on its viability.
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