Johannesburg – The Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held today in Harare, Zimbabwe, has called for the phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops.
SAMIDRC is made up of forces from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania.
In February 2024 South Africa deployed 2 900 troops to the DRC.
A SADC statement issued Thursday, (13 March 2025), after the meeting said: “The summit terminated the Mandate of SAMIDRC and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC”.
The statement added: “Summit emphasised its dedication to addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC and reaffirmed its commitment to support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace and security in the Eastern DRC, in line with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003.
“Summit reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable peace, security, and development.
“Summit reiterated the need for a political and diplomatic solution with all parties including state, non-state parties, military and non-military in the Eastern DRC for the restoration of peace, security and tranquillity in the country.”
The summit was officially opened and chaired by Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of in his capacity as Chairperson of SADC.
The statement said the summit received the latest updates on the security situation in the Eastern part of the DRC.
It also considered the report on the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) Mandate from the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit which was held on 6 March 2025.
The summit expressed its deepest condolences to the DRC, South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, and to the families of the deceased soldiers who lost their lives while serving under the SAMIDRC.
The statement said SADC wished the injured “a speedy recovery”.
Heads of state and representatives of governments attending the summit “noted with grave concern the continued deterioration of the security situation in the Eastern DRC, including the capturing of Goma and Bukavu, and the blockage of the main supply routes, making it difficult for humanitarian aid to flow.
“The summit commended the troops for their selfless act, unity, diligence resiliency shown since the beginning of the mission.”
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.
