Consensus Reached in SADC on Withdrawal of Troops from DRC by South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania
Johannesburg – The Special Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened today in Harare, Zimbabwe, has called for the gradual withdrawal of SAMIDRC forces.
SAMIDRC comprises troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania.
In February 2024, South Africa dispatched 2,900 soldiers to the DRC.
A statement from SADC released on Thursday, (13 March 2025), following the meeting, announced: “The summit has officially revoked the Mandate of SAMIDRC and has instructed the initiation of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC.”
The statement further noted: “The summit reiterated its commitment to addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC and reaffirmed its dedication to supporting efforts aimed at establishing enduring peace and security in Eastern DRC, in accordance with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003.
“The summit reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to continue assisting the DRC in its efforts to maintain its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, alongside fostering sustainable peace, security, and development.
“The summit underscored the necessity for a political and diplomatic resolution involving all stakeholders, including state and non-state actors, military and non-military forces in Eastern DRC, to restore peace, security, and stability in the nation.”
The summit was formally opened and led by Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, in his role as Chairperson of SADC.
The statement indicated that the summit reviewed the most recent updates concerning the security situation in Eastern DRC.
It also evaluated the report on the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) Mandate from the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit held on 6 March 2025.
The summit conveyed its deepest sympathies to the DRC, South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, as well as to the families of the fallen soldiers who lost their lives while serving under SAMIDRC.
The statement expressed SADC’s desire for a swift recovery for the injured.
Heads of state and government representatives present at the summit “expressed grave concern regarding the ongoing deterioration of the security situation in Eastern DRC, highlighted by the seizure of Goma and Bukavu, and the obstruction of essential supply routes, which hampers humanitarian assistance.”
“The summit praised the troops for their selfless dedication, unity, and resilience demonstrated since the mission’s inception.”
The summit was attended by Heads of State and Government or their representatives from Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa.