South Africa Withdraws Troops from DRC After Regional Mission Collapses Amid M23 Surge
In a dramatic turn of events in Central Africa, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has begun withdrawing nearly 2,900 troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking the effective collapse of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission in the country.
The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), launched in 2023 to counter a surge in violence in the country’s volatile eastern provinces, has been overwhelmed by the rapid territorial gains of the M23 rebel group. The tipping point came earlier this year, as M23—allegedly backed by Rwanda—seized control of the strategic cities of Goma on January 27 and Bukavu on February 16, 2025. These conquests have upended regional peace efforts and exposed the vulnerabilities of allied forces.
Heavy Toll on South African Troops
South African forces have suffered the most severe losses since the conflict escalated. In January alone, 14 SANDF soldiers were killed in intense clashes with M23 fighters, with three more fatalities reported in the following weeks. The crisis has laid bare SANDF’s chronic issues—outdated equipment, limited air support, and strained logistics—which significantly undermined its operational effectiveness in a high-intensity combat zone.
A Fragile Exit Amid Chaos
The withdrawal began in late April under a negotiated deal with M23, intended to ensure the safe passage of departing troops. Convoys—under escort from Rwandan military units—are currently ferrying SANDF personnel toward Tanzania. However, around 1,000 South African troops remain deployed under the UN’s MONUSCO mission, now facing restricted movement and operational limitations imposed by M23 control.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
As military operations unravel, the human cost of the conflict continues to rise. More than 7,000 civilians have died since January, and millions have been displaced, fleeing violence and rebel-imposed governance in newly occupied areas. M23 has begun implementing its own administrative structures, challenging the DRC government’s authority and further destabilizing the region.
Domestic and Regional Fallout
Back home, the mounting South African casualties have ignited public mourning and political backlash. Opposition leaders are criticizing the government for committing to a mission many now view as ill-conceived and poorly resourced. Regional analysts warn the SAMIDRC failure is symptomatic of a deeper crisis in African-led peacekeeping initiatives—highlighting fractured coordination, limited resources, and overreliance on underprepared national forces.
With M23 now entrenched as a dominant force in eastern Congo, the collapse of SAMIDRC signals a stark new chapter in the conflict—one that leaves a weakened peacekeeping legacy and growing questions about South Africa’s role in regional military int
