The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has launched the second and final phase of its troop withdrawal from eastern Congo.
Soldiers deployed under the SAMIDRC mission will exit through Tanzania before returning to their home countries.
“The SADC continues the phased withdrawal of its mission from the eastern regions of Goma and Sake,” the bloc said Thursday.
The operation includes the repatriation of troops along with their personal effects and remaining military equipment.
SADC approved the mission in May 2023, deploying forces from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania to support regional stability.
The bloc ended the mandate in March 2025, beginning the pullout in April with the evacuation of logistics and hardware.
Despite the withdrawal, SADC reaffirmed its commitment to peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond.
It pledged continued diplomatic and strategic engagement with Congolese authorities and regional actors.
Meanwhile, violence in the east has escalated since December 2024, with M23 rebels seizing key cities like Goma and Bukavu.
Recent fighting in Rutshuru territory has shattered fragile peace efforts led by the emir of Qatar.
On Thursday, bombing by M23 rebels disrupted life in Kiwanja, North Kivu, further straining the humanitarian situation.
Rwanda is accused of backing the rebels, fuelling regional tensions and undermining diplomatic mediation.
According to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, over 7,000 people have died in 2025 alone due to ongoing conflict.
The UN reports that the number of displaced people now exceeds 7.8 million, making it one of the world’s worst crises.
As the last SADC troops depart, eastern Congo remains trapped in a cycle of violence, displacement, and uncertainty.
