The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially announced the end of its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), confirming plans for a phased withdrawal of its forces.
In a communique released following the recent summit of regional heads of state, the SADC declared: “Summit terminated the Mandate of SAMIDRC and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC.”
Earlier in February, a document had indicated that discussions about the status of the regional mission were necessary, involving all relevant parties in the Congolese conflict.
Initially deployed in December 2023, SADC’s forces aimed to support the Congolese army’s efforts against rebel groups.
Although the bloc extended the mission’s mandate late last year, reports indicate that the mission faced significant challenges and casualties throughout 2025.
 has officially announced the end of its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), confirming plans for a phased withdrawal of its forces.){kind=link}