The SADC’s peacekeeping mission in the DRC has been terminated following the deaths of peacekeepers, raising concerns about future stability in the region. Public outcry over these losses has led to a withdrawal of Malawi’s forces, while South Africa has increased its troop deployment. Experts highlight the challenges of funding and engagement strategies in African peacekeeping efforts, with Sudan suffering from a lack of international intervention and support.
On March 13, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced the termination of its peacekeeping mandate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision follows the tragic deaths of more than a dozen peacekeepers by M23 rebels in January. The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) aimed to counteract the M23 group in the conflict-affected eastern region of the country and was preceded by deployments from the East African Community (EAC) and a UN Force Intervention Brigade.
The phased withdrawal began after incidents resulting in fatalities among peacekeepers, including a mortar explosion that claimed the lives of three Tanzanian soldiers in April 2024. Following further losses in January 2025, where ten South African and three Malawian soldiers were killed, public scrutiny intensified. Chimwemwe Tsitsi, an international relations expert from Malawi, suggested that the shift in peacekeeping strategies—moving from non-interference to active engagement—might have played a role in the failures of the mission.
The tragic fatalities associated with the SAMIDRC gained significant media attention in southern Africa, prompting a public outcry. Malawi announced the cessation of its deployment as early as February, with President Lazarus Chakwera directing preparations for withdrawal, a decision positively received by the public. In contrast, South Africa opted to send additional troops to the DRC, despite growing concerns over soldier safety among citizens and trade unions.
Dr. Alex Vines from Chatham House raised important questions about the efficacy of peacekeeping missions, referencing the ongoing ECOWAS operations in Guinea-Bissau and Gambia. He highlighted the mixed success of African-led missions, such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) originally organized by Nigeria to combat Boko Haram insurgents, as a model for future interventions.
While the SADC continues its engagement in Mozambique to mitigate insurgent activities, the DRC faces increasing instability. This escalation coincides with the withdrawal of the UN Stabilization Mission, which had operated for over two decades, at the behest of the Congolese government led by President Felix Tshisekedi.
Funding for peacekeeping remains a critical issue, with significant declines observed since 2014. Experts like Tsitsi warn that alongside diminished international support, public backlash against peacekeeper fatalities has further complicated missions, undermining their effectiveness. As Kenya’s police deployment to Haiti stands as an exception, many African nations remain deeply involved in regional missions, often as part of broader UN efforts to provide stability in conflict areas.
Notably, some African nations, including South Sudan and Somalia, engage positively with peacekeeping roles while others, such as Sudan, remain largely overlooked in terms of international intervention. Tsitsi emphasized that Sudan appears neglected amidst its ongoing conflict, highlighting a lack of support from both the UN and the African Union, calling for increased attention to such marginalized regions in peacekeeping efforts.
In conclusion, the cessation of the SADC peacekeeping mission in the DRC marks a significant shift in regional stability efforts, particularly following the tragic loss of peacekeepers. This development highlights broader challenges in peacekeeping missions across Africa, including reduced funding, changing engagement strategies, and public sentiment. While some regions receive adequate support, others, like Sudan, require urgent attention to prevent further neglect. Moving forward, a reevaluation of peacekeeping strategies and international commitments is essential to improve the effectiveness of these operations in maintaining peace and stability across the continent.
Original Source: www.dw.com
