Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Southern African Mission to the Democratic of Congo (SAMIDRC) started a phased withdrawal from Eastern DRC last week after several months of a standoff with M23 rebels in the easten part of the country.
About 14 SAMIDRC troops lost their lives, with the majority coming from South Africa with other countries like Malawi and Mozambique also incurring casualties.
However, the rapid deterioration of security in DRC prompted the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) under the chairmanship of President Mnangagwa to meet in March to seek solutions to the strife.
Two joint summits of the EAC and Sadc were convened at which a bold decision to withdraw the peace keeping mission from the DRC was made in pursuant of peaceful dialogue to permanently end the war.
The phased withdrawal of the troops follows the directive of the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held on March 13, 2025, which announced the termination of the SAMIDRC mandate and endorsed the immediate phased withdrawal of the Mission.
Rwanda, which is believed to be supporting the M23 rebels has been urged by the United Nations to withdraw its troops from the DRC territory and stop supporting the rebels.
The withdrawal provides a perfect opportunity for the EAC and Sadc to push for a permanent ceasefire in the DRC and the withdrawal of the M23 from occupied territories.
The EAC and SADC have a crucial opportunity to push for a lasting solution to the conflict in the DRC as the regional blocs have demonstrated their commitment to peace in the DRC, evident in the two summits they have held, including one in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
These efforts are aimed at bringing lasting peace to the East-Central African country, which has been plagued by renewed civil strife for an extended period.
With the perceived obstacle of the SAMIDRC no longer in the picture, the EAC and SADC should expedite efforts to secure a ceasefire. A lasting peace in the DRC would have far-reaching benefits, not only for the country itself but also for the entire African continent.
DRC’s rich natural resources and strategic location makes it a vital player in regional and global economies.
In a statement, SADC Secretariat said the withdrawal was to be conducted by road, transiting through Rwanda to the respective Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) of Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa deployed in December 2023.
The Secretariat further stated that the decision to withdraw troops was supported by the outcomes of the engagement held in Goma, DRC, on March 28, between the chiefs of defence forces of the troop contributing countries and the leadership of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Movement of 23 March (AFC/M23).
During the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Harare, the crisis in eastern DRC was deliberated, with regional leaders further committing to calls to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in subsequent summits held in Harare and Dar es Salaam as well as virtually to deliberate on the matter.
SADC and the EAC have continuously re-affirmed their continued commitment to a sustainable resolution to the conflict in Eastern DRC.
Peace in the DRC would also have a positive impact on the economies of neighbouring countries and the entire African continent.
The conflict has disrupted trade, investment, and economic growth, affecting the region’s overall development.
A stable DRC would enable the country to tap into its vast economic potential, creating opportunities for regional trade and investment.
The EAC and SADC should build on their previous efforts and work towards a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict. This includes supporting inclusive dialogue, promoting economic development, and ensuring the protection of human rights.
By working together, the two regional blocs can help bring lasting peace and stability to the DRC, benefiting the entire region.
The opportunity presented to the EAC and SADC to push for a lasting solution to the conflict in the DRC is significant. With their commitment to peace and stability, the two regional blocs can work towards a comprehensive solution that benefits the DRC and the entire African continent.
Peace in the DRC would have far-reaching economic benefits, enabling the country to tap into its vast potential and creating opportunities for regional trade and investment.
