Troops to withdraw as SADC calls off peace keeping mission in DRC

File: A military convoy of South Africa National Defence Forces (SANDF) soldiers. AFP/Alfredo Zuniga

JOHANNESBURG - The SADC mission in the DRC has been terminated.

SADC announced their decision after an Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State.

The troops will start withdrawing in phases.

READ: SADC leaders meet over DRC conflict

South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania were part of the SADC mission in DRC and all lost troops during recent attacks by M23 rebels.

With the M23 rebel coalition having overrun large parts of the Eastern DRC, it seems events have overtaken the SADC military mission.

The Summit has said that they reaffirm their commitment to support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace to the region.

Fourteen SANDF members are among the casualties taken by the SADC contingent as fighting spread over the Eastern DRC.

Earlier this month, while talking with ENCA some SANDF personnel revealed that they are in dire situation, running out of food, supplies and wanted to come home.

READ: UN calls for withdrawal of M23 rebels from DRC

Communication from the troops exposed the lack of support and direction from South African authorities.

ActionSA MP Athol Trollip says the forces should never have been there in the first place

You May Also Like