South African troops withdraw from DRC peacekeeping mission

South African troops deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under Operation THIBA as part of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) mission, SAMIDRC.

Their objective is to support the Congolese army in neutralising rebel armed groups and securing humanitarian corridors in North Kivu.

On 17 November 2023, the DRC and SADC signed a Status-of-Forces Agreement (SOFA) to formalise the mission.

According to the 12 February 2024 presidential report, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of 2,900 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members in terms of Section 201(2)(c).

The SADC Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government approved SAMIDRC on 8 May 2023.

M23 CONNECTED TO RWANDA BY UN REPORT

The March 23 Movement (M23), founded in 2012 by Sultan Makenga and Bertrand Bisimwa, reignited hostilities in late 2022. The group claims the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) violated the 2009 peace deal on rebel integration and discriminated against Congolese Tutsis.

In response, the DRC has accused M23 of committing war crimes and acting as a proxy for Rwanda. A United Nations (UN) report, S/2024/969, detailed Rwanda’s military support for M23, including the deployment of Rwandan troops in eastern DRC.

The UN Resolution 2773 condemned foreign support for armed groups in eastern DRC, specifically M23.

Combat fatalities and losses

The SAMIDRC mission, including troops from Tanzania and Malawi, operated in the eastern DRC, including Sake and Rutshuru. 

M23 mortar attacks near Sake killed nine of the South African soldiers; a further fatality later brought the total to 14 through the mission. Tanzania and Malawi troops also suffered losses.

Defence analyst Helmoed Heitman told SABC News the mission’s success was limited due to a lack of air support and unrealistic terrain expectations.

South African troop pullout faces backlash

After the 13 March 2025 summit, SADC leaders agreed to end SAMIDRC. South Africa began withdrawing troops on 29 April 2025. 

According to the SADC communiqué, M23’s takeover of Goma and Bukavu and blockade of aid routes made the mission impossible.

Rising costs and casualties were also key factors in the decision to terminate the mission. 

THE PATH TO REINTEGRATION

During the withdrawal, the military evacuated equipment via Rwanda due to damage to Goma’s airstrip.

249 members of the SANDF returned to Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria from the DRC on 13 June 2025. 

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga welcomed the troops and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous African region. 

South African troops began a four-day demobilisation programme with reintegration assistance, health examinations, and trauma counselling. The remaining soldiers are expected to be home by the end of June 2025.