Speaking during a press briefing earlier this week, General Maphwanya emphasized that the decision was made in full compliance with a directive issued by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State at a high-level summit held in March. The directive authorized the phased and coordinated withdrawal of forces deployed under the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), with troops exiting the country through Rwanda and Tanzania.
“Our presence in the DRC was always guided by the objective of supporting peace enforcement and protecting civilians. This withdrawal is not an abandonment of that mission, but a transition into a different phase of regional engagement,” General Maphwanya stated.
South Africa had deployed several hundred troops to the DRC under the SADC mandate in support of Congolese government efforts to contain armed groups operating primarily in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. These forces worked alongside troops from Malawi, Tanzania, and other SADC member states in operations designed to dismantle rebel networks and restore state authority.
The eastern DRC remains one of the most unstable regions on the continent, plagued by dozens of armed factions vying for control over land and resources. The humanitarian toll has been immense, with thousands displaced and ongoing reports of violence against civilians.
The withdrawal comes at a time when diplomatic efforts are being intensified, including renewed mediation initiatives under the leadership of the African Union and the East African Community (EAC). Observers say the SADC decision to withdraw troops reflects a growing belief that long-term stability cannot be achieved by military means alone.
“Peace and security in eastern DRC require the full involvement of regional partners, not just through arms, but through sustained dialogue, reconciliation, and political reform,” said a SADC diplomat familiar with the March summit discussions.
While the SANDF withdrawal marks the end of one chapter, South African officials insist that their country remains deeply committed to peace in the region. Pretoria is expected to continue supporting diplomatic efforts and humanitarian assistance, and may redeploy under different frameworks if requested by the DRC government or regional bodies.
The SADC Secretariat has announced that it will release a formal communiqué in the coming days detailing the timetable for the full withdrawal and outlining the next steps in the regional stabilization strategy.
