Thursday, 13 March 2025.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes the decision by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to terminate the mandate of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and commence the phased withdrawal of troops. This decision, taken at the Extraordinary SADC Summit held today in Harare, Zimbabwe, is long overdue and reaffirms what the EFF has consistently stated: that South Africa’s military was ill-equipped for this deployment and that the mission was unsustainable.

SAMIDRC was deployed in December 2023 with the objective of assisting the Congolese army in countering rebel groups in the Eastern DRC with three nations— South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania—contributing troops. The withdrawal of these troops also comes after significant losses on the battlefield. In January 2025, at least 18 SADC troops, including 14 from South Africa, were killed in clashes with M23 rebels in North Kivu. Malawi subsequently withdrew its forces, citing the loss of several of its soldiers and the worsening security situation. Additionally, hundreds of SAMIDRC troops, including South Africans, remain under M23 control, raising serious concerns about their safety and the lack of strategic planning in this mission.

The continued deterioration of security in Eastern DRC, particularly the capture of Goma and Bukavu and the blockage of vital humanitarian supply routes, further demonstrated the failure of SAMIDRC to achieve its objectives. Rather than stabilising the region, the mission found itself in an increasingly vulnerable position, unable to counter the growing influence of the M23 rebels, who have received backing from Rwanda.

The EFF also acknowledges the role of diplomatic efforts in influencing this decision. Last month, SADC and the East African Community (EAC) held a joint meeting to  push for peace talks between the DRC government and the rebels. Angola has since facilitated peace talks, which are set to begin on 18 March in Luanda. This diplomatic intervention was a necessary step towards a sustainable resolution, as the conflict in Eastern DRC has persisted for over 20 years with no military solution in sight.

As South African troops begin their withdrawal, the EFF urges the government to ensure their safe passage back home and to prioritise their reintegration after this challenging mission. Furthermore, the resources that were allocated to this ill-fated mission, including the R5 billion earmarked for South Africa’s involvement in SAMIDRC, must be redirected towards strengthening our own defence capabilities ensuring we are adequately equipped should another opportunity for peace keeping occur.

The EFF remains committed to our position that South Africa should only participate in peacekeeping missions where there is a clear strategic objective, proper logistical planning, and adequate resources to support our soldiers. We call on SADC, EAC and the African Union to intensify diplomatic efforts and hold all parties accountable, ensuring that the people of the DRC can finally see an end to this decades-long conflict. The withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops must mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to sustainable peace, not another cycle of conflict and instability.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 304 7572