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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and announced the termination of the mandate of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
This decision was made during the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SADC, held on March 13, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The summit, chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, was attended virtually by several Heads of State and Government, including DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The summit was convened to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the eastern DRC.
It received the latest updates on the situation and considered the report on SAMIDRC’s mandate, following the SADC Organ Troika Summit held on March 6, 2025.
In the communique issued after the meeting, the summit expressed its deepest condolences to the families of soldiers from the DRC, South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, who lost their lives while serving under SAMIDRC.
The summit also wished the injured soldiers a speedy recovery.
SADC Heads of State expressed grave concern over the continued security deterioration in the eastern DRC, particularly the capture of Goma and Bukavu, and the blockage of key supply routes, which has hampered the flow of humanitarian aid.
The summit commended the troops for their dedication, unity, and resilience throughout the mission and called for the protection and free movement of civilians.
The summit urged all parties to adhere to international humanitarian principles, halt attacks on civilian infrastructure, and ensure unhindered access for humanitarian aid.
With increasing humanitarian needs in the DRC, the summit called on the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, to provide further assistance to the people of DRC.
The SADC Summit reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC, emphasizing its support for interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace and security to the eastern DRC.
This aligned with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003.
The summit reiterated its unwavering dedication to supporting the DRC in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and long-term peace.
It also called for a political and diplomatic solution, involving both state and non-state parties, military and non-military, to restore peace and stability in the country.
The summit also welcomed the decision from the joint Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and SADC to merge the Luanda and Nairobi Processes.
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It highlighted the need for more facilitators to enhance peace-building efforts.
Furthermore, the summit supported the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2773, which provides guidance for a lasting solution and backs regional efforts from the African Union, East African Community, Economic Community of Central African States, and SADC.
The resolution also acknowledged the efforts under the Luanda and Nairobi mediation processes and the United Nations Secretary-General’s actions aimed at restoring peace and security in the eastern DRC.
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