SADC Troops to Exit Eastern Congo by Road Through Rwanda
The withdrawal will proceed in phases, with all troop-contributing countries—South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi—having sustained casualties during the ill-fated deployment.
GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo—Troops from the Southern African Development Community mission in eastern Congo will be withdrawn by road through Rwanda following delays in the rehabilitation of Goma airport, officials said Friday, writes Kelvin Jakachira.
The SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) issued a communique dated April 11 stating that the continued closure of the airport in Goma “could cause further delays” to the withdrawal of forces, prompting a shift in logistics planning.
According to the communique, the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, will engage Rwandan authorities to secure a safe passage for the troops, who will exit through Rwanda en route to a designated assembly point in Chato, Tanzania.
The decision was made during a meeting in Dar es Salaam that brought together defense chiefs from the three countries that deployed troops and equipment to the SAMIDRC mission: South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi.
Attending the meeting were General Rudzani Maphwanya of the South African National Defence Force, General Jacob Mkunda of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force and General Paul Phiri of the Malawi Defence Force. Professor Kula Theletsane, Director of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, also participated.
The SADC force was deployed in December 2023 to support the Congolese army and allied forces, including Burundian troops, European contractors, remnants of the FDLR, and local militias known as Wazalendo, in their battle against M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) rebels.
However, the coalition failed to neutralize the rebels, who went on to seize key territory including Goma, capital of North Kivu Province, and Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.
The SADC bloc formally terminated the mission on March 13 following a summit of regional leaders.
The withdrawal will proceed in phases, with all troop-contributing countries—South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi—having sustained casualties during the ill-fated deployment.