The SADC withdrawal from eastern DRC has officially begun. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) started pulling its troops out on April 29, 2025. They are moving through Rwanda to return to their home countries. This step ends the SAMIDRC mission, created to stop armed groups in eastern Congo.
SADC deployed SAMIDRC in December 2023 to support the Congolese government. The force included troops from Tanzania, Malawi, and South Africa. But the mission struggled from the start due to low troop numbers and poor funding. In March 2025, M23 rebels advanced and captured Goma, the region’s largest city. Many SADC soldiers fled to UN peacekeeping bases for protection.
Military Setback and a Growing Humanitarian Crisis
This defeat forced SADC to announce a full withdrawal. By the time they left, the region had seen thousands of deaths and mass displacement. The UN said over 7,000 people died in 2025 alone. More than 7.8 million people fled their homes, with 103,000 crossing into other countries.
The M23 rebels also forced civilians to leave displacement camps. As a result, nearly one million people had to return to ruined villages.
Shifting from Military to Political Solutions
The SADC withdrawal from eastern DRC reflects a new strategy. After the fall of Goma, SADC and the East African Community agreed to shift focus. They concluded that diplomacy, not war, offered a better path to peace.
President Félix Tshisekedi blamed Rwanda for backing M23. He claimed Rwandan soldiers sometimes fought alongside the rebels. Rwanda denied this, but the tension complicated regional cooperation.
Repeating Past Mistakes
This failed mission follows a familiar pattern. In 2021, SADC also deployed forces to Mozambique to stop a jihadist insurgency. That effort also faltered until Rwanda sent in troops. In both cases, SADC suffered from weak coordination and lack of commitment from member states.
Armed groups have used the instability to control eastern Congo’s valuable minerals. Foreign actors have also been accused of exploiting the region’s wealth. This ongoing exploitation makes peace efforts even more difficult.
Looking Ahead
The SADC withdrawal from eastern DRC closes a troubled chapter. However, the conflict remains unresolved. Rebels control key areas, and millions still need help.
SADC says it remains committed to peace and diplomacy. But without a unified regional plan and lasting international support, the crisis in eastern DRC may continue for years.
