PRETORIA - South Africa is set to withdraw its troops from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally notified the UN of the decision, which will see more than 700 South African soldiers gradually removed.
It follows a renewed push for the SANDF to realign its resources.
The withdrawal from MONUSCO is expected to be completed before the end of next year.
READ | SANDF, SAPS have 'no capacity' to control threats, says retired Army chief
But South Africa will continue supporting peace efforts in the DRC through regional and international partnerships.
In a statement, the Presidency said the decision was influenced by the need to consolidate and realign the resources of the SANDF following 27 years of South Africa’s support to UN peacekeeping efforts in the DRC.
“South Africa will work jointly with the UN to finalise the timelines and other modalities of the withdrawal, which will be completed before the end of 2026,” the statement read.
It said government will continue to maintain close bilateral relations with the government of the DRC.