The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have welcomed the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) decision to terminate the mandate of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and begin a phased withdrawal of troops.

The decision, announced during the Extraordinary SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe on Thursday, marks the end of a mission that the EFF believes was unsustainable and poorly planned.

SAMIDRC was deployed in December 2023 with the goal of assisting the Congolese army in combating rebel groups in Eastern DRC. South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania contributed troops to the mission. However, following significant losses, including the deaths of at least 18 SADC soldiers in January 2025, the mission’s effectiveness has been called into question.

“South Africa's military was ill-equipped for this deployment, and the mission was unsustainable,” said EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo.

The EFF highlighted the ongoing instability in the region, especially after the M23 rebels captured strategic locations like Goma and Bukavu and blocked vital humanitarian routes.

Tambo pointed out that the mission was unable to counter the growing influence of the M23 rebels, who have been reportedly backed by Rwanda. “Rather than stabilising the region, the mission found itself in an increasingly vulnerable position,” Tambo said.

The decision to withdraw troops also follows a significant diplomatic push, with SADC and the East African Community (EAC) convening a joint meeting last month to promote peace talks between the DRC government and rebel groups.

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Angola has facilitated these peace talks, which are scheduled to begin on March 18 in Luanda. Tambo acknowledged this diplomatic intervention as a crucial step toward a sustainable resolution, noting that the conflict in Eastern DRC has spanned over 20 years with no military solution in sight.

As the South African troops prepare for withdrawal, Tambo urged the government to ensure their safe return and to focus on reintegrating them into society. He also called for the redirection of resources — particularly the R5 billion allocated to South Africa’s involvement in SAMIDRC — towards strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.

“The resources that were allocated to this ill-fated mission must be redirected towards strengthening our own defence capabilities, ensuring we are adequately equipped should another opportunity for peacekeeping occur,” Tambo said.

The EFF reiterated its stance that South Africa should only participate in peacekeeping missions where there is a clear strategic objective, proper logistical planning, and adequate resources to support its soldiers. The party also urged SADC, EAC, and the African Union to intensify diplomatic efforts and hold all parties accountable for the long-standing conflict in the DRC.

“The withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops must mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to sustainable peace, not another cycle of conflict and instability,” he said.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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EFF welcomes SADC's troop withdrawal from DRC, urges diplomatic focus