The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has commenced the withdrawal of its peacekeeping forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with troops traveling through Rwanda en route to their home countries, according to diplomatic sources.
The soldiers are moving overland via Rwanda’s Rusumo border to a designated area in Tanzania, where they will be airlifted back to their respective nations. Social media footage showed convoys of military vehicles, including tanks and personnel, departing Goma in North Kivu province and crossing into Rwanda under military escort.
The withdrawal follows the March decision by SADC leaders to end the mandate of their regional force, SAMIDRC, amid escalating violence in eastern DRC. The process has faced logistical difficulties, particularly after the closure of Goma International Airport due to clashes between government forces and M23 rebels.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed earlier that SADC had requested authorization to use Rwandan territory to facilitate the troop exit. The withdrawal is being carried out under an agreement signed with M23 rebels on March 2 to ensure safe passage for troops and equipment.
SADC’s mission, launched in May 2023, involved forces from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, tasked with assisting Congolese forces in combating armed groups in the volatile eastern region. The conflict has displaced around one million people since January, according to the United Nations.
In January, South Africa suffered significant losses, with 14 soldiers killed during heavy fighting for control of Goma, now reportedly under M23 control. Recent Qatari-brokered talks in Doha resulted in a preliminary truce agreement between the Congolese government and the rebel alliance, Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23).