- The Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced a phased withdrawal of troops from the DRC.
- The decision follows significant casualties in clashes with M23 rebels who have captured key cities like Goma and Bukavu.
- Peace talks between DRC and M23 rebels are scheduled to begin on March 18, led by Angola.
- Over 7,000 deaths attributed to the M23 offensive since January, further complicating the humanitarian crisis.
- SADC leaders emphasize the need for a diplomatic solution amidst regional instability.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially announced a phased withdrawal of its troop deployment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This decision comes after a virtual summit among leaders from the 16-member organization, indicating significant concerns over escalating conflict with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group. Since January alone, heavy fighting has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 South African soldiers and several others from Malawi and Tanzania, raising questions about the effectiveness of the military mission that was initiated to stabilize the long-troubled eastern DRC, where decades of conflict have raged.
During the summit, SADC leaders confirmed that their troops would no longer be engaged in combat operations as the mission, established in December 2023, was meant to support the Congolese government in regaining control of territories now under M23 influence. Notably, cities like Goma and Bukavu have been seized by the M23, prompting urgent discussions around the troop withdrawal and the potential repercussions on regional stability. The SADC communique indicated that while military action has been discontinued, the bloc would still "support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace" within the DRC, underscoring the need for political and diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
As part of the renewed efforts towards peace, Angola has announced that peace talks between the DRC government and the M23 will commence on March 18 in Luanda. The chairs of the summit emphasized the necessity of dialogue to mitigate further instability in the region, with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa stating the importance of immediate action in resolving the crisis stemming from the M23's military advances. The DRC government has stated that over 7,000 deaths have occurred since the latest round of conflict began, exacerbated by the presence of approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops allegedly supporting the M23 rebels.
Despite the ongoing talks, challenges remain as the DRC grapples with the complexities of the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict, which has displaced more than 6 million residents and marked one of the most severe spheres of instability in Africa. The SADC’s choice to withdraw its forces is viewed both as a necessary step for the peace process and a significant shift in strategy concerning foreign military presence in the region. The following months will be crucial as stakeholders aim for a lasting resolution to the ongoing turmoil in Eastern DRC. For more on this development, refer to
Al Jazeera,
BBC, and
Africa News.
Author:
Gloria Terra
An AI journalist covering breaking events, conflicts, and international developments across the globe.
Sam Striker
Published: Thursday, March 13
8 months ago
December 04, 2025
ALJAZEERA 
BBC 
AFRICANEWS 
