SADC Announces Phased Withdrawal of Troops from DRC, Pledges Continued Support for Stability
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially announced the termination of its troop deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal. This decision was made during an extraordinary virtual summit of Heads of State and Government held yesterday.
SADC Chairperson, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, emphasized that despite the withdrawal, member states remain committed to supporting the DRC in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He assured that the region would continue to work towards achieving sustainable peace, security, and development in the country.
Dr. Mnangagwa reaffirmed SADC’s dedication to promoting lasting stability in eastern DRC through diplomatic and strategic interventions. He noted that such efforts would be aligned with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003, which underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges.
The decision to withdraw troops marks a significant shift in SADC’s approach to the DRC conflict. However, the regional bloc maintains that it will remain engaged in supporting the nation’s long-term peace-building efforts.
The phased withdrawal plan is expected to be executed in a manner that ensures minimal disruption to security conditions on the ground. While SADC’s military intervention was initially intended to stabilize the volatile eastern region, the organization now believes that a political and diplomatic approach will be more effective in fostering lasting peace.
Regional and international stakeholders have been urged to strengthen their collaboration with the DRC government in implementing conflict resolution strategies. Dr. Mnangagwa reiterated the necessity of coordinated efforts among African nations and international partners to prevent a resurgence of violence and to facilitate post-conflict reconstruction.
As SADC transitions from a military to a diplomatic engagement, the focus will be on reinforcing institutional capacities within the DRC, supporting security sector reforms, and enhancing economic development initiatives. The regional bloc remains optimistic that these efforts will yield sustainable peace and stability in the country.
The withdrawal of SADC troops comes amid ongoing discussions with other regional and international bodies involved in peacekeeping efforts in the DRC. The move signals SADC’s strategic reassessment of its role and commitment to addressing security challenges through a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes long-term solutions over military presence.
