The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced the end of its military mission in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and will begin a phased troop withdrawal. The decision was made at a virtual summit in the Zimbabwean capital Harare on Thursday.
The SADC mission is known as SAMIDRC and was deployed in May 2023 to help combat violence in eastern DRC. The force included troops from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania.
Zimbabwean President and current SADC chair Emmerson Mnangagwa said the decision to end the mission was based on a comprehensive assessment of the situation. However, he stressed that the regional bloc was committed to promoting peace and stability in the DRC.
The summit highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region and called on the international community to provide assistance to affected communities. SADC leaders also stressed the need for an inclusive dialogue to achieve lasting peace in the conflict-ridden region.
The announcement comes as fighting between the M23 rebel group and Congolese government forces intensifies. The rebels recently seized key areas, including the towns of Nyabiondo and Kashebere in North Kivu province.
Meanwhile, peace talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels, mediated by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, are scheduled for March 18 in Luanda, Angola.
The DRC and Western countries have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Kigali denies.