The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially begun the withdrawal of its military mission from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as of 29 April 2025. This marks a pivotal step in the phased conclusion of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), following the directive issued at the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held on 13 March 2025.
The withdrawal is being conducted by road, with troops transiting through the Republic of Rwanda en route to their respective home nations. The Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) include the Republics of Malawi, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania, whose personnel formed the core of the SAMIDRC deployment.
This strategic pullout aligns with the summit’s announcement of the termination of the SAMIDRC mandate and its approval of a systematic and phased withdrawal process. The decision was further reinforced by high-level discussions held in Goma on 28 March 2025 between the Chiefs of Defence Force from the TCCs and representatives of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Movement of 23 March (AFC/M23).
SAMIDRC was initially deployed on 15 December 2023 as part of SADC’s effort to stabilize the volatile eastern region of the DRC, which has long been plagued by armed conflict and insecurity. Over the past 16 months, the mission has supported local and regional security initiatives, working to reduce hostilities and protect civilian populations.
As the military mission winds down, SADC has reiterated its unwavering commitment to regional peace and security. The regional body has emphasized its continued engagement in the DRC through diplomatic channels and political frameworks aimed at achieving a long-term, peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The withdrawal signals a new chapter for both SADC and the DRC, underscoring the importance of African-led solutions and regional collaboration in managing complex security challenges.
