The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has decided to terminate its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announcing a phased withdrawal of its troops. This decision, made during an extraordinary virtual summit this week, comes as regional efforts intensify to resolve the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.

The SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) was deployed in December 2023 to support the DRC government in restoring peace and security. However, the mission has faced significant challenges, including the loss of soldiers from South Africa and Malawi. The majority of the South African casualties were part of SAMIDRC, while others served in a separate UN peacekeeping mission.

The summit, attended by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, concluded with a statement directing the commencement of the troop withdrawal. Officials did not disclose the total number of troops deployed, but it is estimated that South Africa contributed at least 1,000 soldiers.

Calls for the withdrawal of South African troops have grown amid reports that they are confined to their base by the M23 rebel group. The M23 has made rapid territorial gains in the mineral-rich regions of North and South Kivu since January, seizing key cities like Goma and Bukavu.

The decision to withdraw SAMIDRC coincides with diplomatic efforts to broker peace. Angola has announced that direct peace talks between the DRC government and the M23, which is allegedly backed by Rwanda, are scheduled to begin on March 18 in Luanda.

SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the need for "a greater sense of urgency" to end the conflict, warning of potential regional instability. He also highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue and deemed the review of the SAMIDRC mandate as "timely."

Angola's mediation efforts, led by President Joao Lourenco, have been pivotal in facilitating the upcoming talks. Previously, President Tshisekedi had refused to engage in dialogue with the M23.

A UN report alleges that Rwanda has deployed approximately 4,000 troops to support the M23 in eastern DRC, although Rwanda denies providing military assistance. The DRC government claims that the M23's advances have resulted in over 7,000 deaths since the start of 2025, although these figures are yet to be independently verified.

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