Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

SADC Troop Withdrawal from Eastern DRC on Track for May Completion

South African-led peacekeeping forces are exiting conflict zones in a phased process, with personnel and equipment returning home via Rwanda and Tanzania.

South Africa decided to recall its troops in mid-March after M23 forces killed several of its soldiers in January

Overview

  • The phased withdrawal of SADC troops from eastern DRC began on April 29 and is scheduled to conclude by the end of May 2025.
  • Troops are exiting through Rwanda by road, assembling in Tanzania, and returning to their home countries by sea and air.
  • The decision to withdraw followed heavy losses in January 2025, when 17 soldiers, including 14 South Africans, were killed in M23 rebel offensives.
  • An advance team of 57 troops and 13 trucks has already reached Tanzania, with subsequent groups continuing to depart eastern DRC.
  • SADC leaders emphasized the withdrawal as a technical move to enable renewed peace talks and diplomatic efforts in the region.