SADC's withdrawal from DRC not a sign of defeat, says Mashatile

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the armed group that seized Goma two months ago managed to reach agreement on the modalities for the withdrawal of the force deployed on the ground by the subregional organization on Friday, 28 March. Two weeks ago, SADC terminated the SAMIRD mandate, which was unable to halt the last M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Southern Africa: SADC's Withdrawal From DRC Not a Sign of Abandonment of Peace Efforts

[SAnews.gov.za] Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reiterated that the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) decision to withdraw the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) should not be interpreted as a sign of defeat or abandonment of peace efforts.

SADC's withdrawal from DRC not a sign of defeat, says Mashatile

The withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community's mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – which included South African troops – "should not be seen as a sign of defeat", Deputy President Paul Mashatile told the National Council of Provinces.

DRC seeking 'safe exit' for southern African troops

The end is in sight for South African soldiers who have been held by M23 rebels in Goma and Sake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for 64 days.

In mid-March, SADC had terminated the mandate of SAMIRDC, which had been deployed in the eastern DRC since December 2023, in support of the central government, after the rebel movement M23 took control of the Goma region.