The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced the termination of its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and ordered the phased withdrawal of all SAMIDRC (SADC Mission in the DRC) troops.
The decision, finalised during an Extraordinary Virtual Summit chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 13 March 2025, signals a strategic shift toward political and diplomatic solutions to end years of devastating conflict in eastern DRC.
The SAMIDRC mandate, launched in December 2023 to support Congolese forces against armed rebel groups such as the M23, faced mounting challenges and struggled to stem escalating violence. Recent territorial losses, including the fall of Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC, and blocked humanitarian routes underscored the mission’s limitations.
President Mnangagwa, in his opening remarks, framed the withdrawal as part of a broader recalibration.
“The review of the SAMIDRC mandate…must contribute to the attainment of peace and stability in eastern DRC and ultimately, the entire region.” said Mnangagwa.
The decision comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. More than seven million people have been displaced in eastern DRC, with aid agencies warning of famine-like conditions due to blocked supply routes.
The Summit called for the protection and free movement of civilians, urged all parties to uphold international humanitarian principles, and demanded an end to attacks on civilian infrastructure.
SADC further appealed to the United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) to ramp up aid, citing the conflict’s spillover into neighbouring states in the region.
While SAMIDRC’s withdrawal marks a retreat from military intervention, SADC reaffirmed its commitment to the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Bloc reiterated its support for the merger of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, and the inclusion of more facilitators to enhance the peace-building process, as agreed upon during the joint Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and SADC in February 2025.
“As SADC, we reaffirm our commitment to play our part to promote lasting and sustainable peace. In this regard, an inclusive and comprehensive dialogue process is essential; to strengthen security mechanisms that safeguard the human rights and dignity of the affected communities.” said Mnangagwa.
The Summit also welcomed UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2773, which aligns international support with African-led initiatives by the AU, East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and SADC.
The resolution enhances high-level diplomatic engagements under the Luanda and Nairobi processes, alongside efforts by the UN Secretary-General to restore stability in eastern DRC.
