SADC has terminated its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announcing the phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops. The decision was made during a virtual extraordinary summit of SADC Heads of State and Government on Thursday. 

The mission, operational since 2023, aimed to support the Congolese army in combating the M23 and other armed groups disrupting peace.

SADC Chair Emmerson Mnangagwa acknowledged the challenges faced, stating, "Undoubtedly, there have been many setbacks and challenges in our quest for peace in eastern DRC. Our shared goal is to see a secure and prosperous DRC. To achieve this, we must constantly take stock of the decisions we have adopted from time to time."

The bloc now focuses on diplomatic efforts, including the Nairobi and Luanda Peace Processes, to address the crisis. SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi emphasized the importance of these initiatives, saying, "The EAC-SADC engagement process must be protected and nurtured... The two RECs must, therefore, jealously guard this structure and ensure it does not become another failed process."

This marks the third SADC summit this year addressing the DRC crisis, highlighting its complexity.