Zuko Komisa

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced the termination of its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ordering a phased withdrawal of troops.
This decision comes nearly two months after a deadly confrontation with M23 rebels, which resulted in the loss of multiple SADC soldiers. The phased withdrawal is set to begin imminently.
The extraordinary summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, convened in Harare on March 13th, addressed the escalating security crisis in the Eastern DRC.
The high-level meeting, attended by numerous regional leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, focused on reviewing the effectiveness of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
Following deliberations, a communique released by the SADC revealed the decision to end the SAMIDRC mandate.
“Summit terminated the Mandate of SAMIDRC and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC. 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 tranquillity in the country.” read the SADC communique
The summit received critical updates on the volatile security situation and reviewed a report from the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit held earlier in March. The decision to withdraw forces signals a shift in the region’s approach to addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC.
READ NEXT: Glen Lewis reflects on his name and the family conflict behind it



