The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced the termination of its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), amidst escalating violence in the country’s eastern region.
At a virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, chaired by Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa, leaders expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, particularly the capture of Goma and Bukavu by armed groups, and the humanitarian crisis caused by blocked supply routes.
The virtual meeting to review the security situation in the DRC happened on Thursday last week.
Mnangagwa said the instability in the DRC affects the entire region – and as SADC, it will remain committed to supporting peace, security and stability.
The summit was attended by several regional leaders, including president Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia, president Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, president Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, president Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and president Daniel Chapo of Mozambique. Also present were president Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Lesotho prime minister
Ntsokoane Matekane, Eswatini prime minister Russel Dlamini and Botswana’s president Duma Boko.
Additionally, ministers from Malawi, Mauritius, Angola and Seychelles represented their respective countries.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and security in the DRC, calling for political and diplomatic solutions involving all stakeholders, including state and non-state actors.
In the communique dated 13 March, the summit emphasised that resolving the conflict requires regional and international cooperation, citing support from the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC) and the United Nations (UN).
SADC’s intervention, known as the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), was launched to assist the Congolese government in restoring stability.
However, with rising casualties and logistical challenges, the leaders agreed to a phased withdrawal of regional troops while ensuring ongoing diplomatic engagement.
The summit expressed condolences to South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania and the DRC for the loss of their soldiers during the mission, further commending troops for their bravery.
In addition, the leaders urged humanitarian agencies to scale up assistance to displaced civilians.
President Tshisekedi of the DRC expressed gratitude for SADC’s support.
He acknowledged the need for a unified peace process, merging efforts from the Luanda and Nairobi processes. The summit welcomed the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2773, which supports regional peace-building initiatives.
Tanzanian president Hassan, chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, was praised for her leadership in regional security matters. President Mnangagwa was commended for convening the extraordinary summit to address the crisis.
Namibia
In a resolute display of regional solidarity, Namibia and fellow SADC nations continue to push for a diplomatic resolution, reinforcing their commitment to a peaceful and secure future for the DRC and the entire region.
Namibia’s outgoing president Mbumba reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace in the eastern DRC.
“Following resolutions from the Joint SADC-EAC Summit, implementation efforts are underway. We welcome UN Security Council Resolution 2773, which aligns with our regional initiatives. The review of the SAMIDRC mandate is key to ensuring a more effective and lasting solution to the crisis,” he said.
He condemned the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, while extending condolences to nations which have lost soldiers in the conflict.
Mbumba highlighted diplomacy as the key to stability.
“Namibia strongly condemns the continued attacks on civilians as well as the advancement and territorial expansion, especially the capturing of some cities in South and North Kivu by the rebels since January 2025, marked by extensive loss of lives, particularly by the SAMIDRC gallant soldiers, FARDC Forces and innocent civilians. Such acts of violence didn’t only destabilise the already-vulnerable provinces, but hindered SAMIDRC to effectively execute its mandate,” he noted.
Mbumba said Namibia is gravely concerned about the ongoing conflict and deteriorating security situation in the eastern part of the DRC.
“This situation has exacerbated the existing dire humanitarian crisis for the affected communities. Thousands of people have lost their lives, and millions, particularly women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, were forced to flee their homes,” the president stated.
He reiterated the country’s support for the political and diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting and peaceful resolution through the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
Mbumba also welcomed the African Union’s decision to harmonise these peace initiatives.
A significant breakthrough was highlighted in the recent adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, which demands the immediate withdrawal of armed rebel forces and an end to territorial expansion. The development strengthens efforts to restore order and protect civilians
While acknowledging security concerns for deployed troops, Mbumba backed the strategic withdrawal of SAMIDRC to prevent further escalation, ensuring that stability remains a top priority for the region.
“We learned with concern that the de facto authority in control of Goma is engineering anti-SAMIDRC sentiments, which poses a security threat to the troops. As such, it might birth fresh confrontations between the local population and SAMIDRC troops,” he said.
Mbumba continued: “Having noted the precarious situation our troops find themselves in, Namibia supports the proposal for the withdrawal of the SAMIDRC from eastern DR Congo, while being cautious of the possible security vacuum, which has the potential to increase the insecurity and humanitarian crisis in the eastern DR Congo and to the region at large”.