SADC troop withdrawal from DRC: A strategic move, not a defeat, says Paul Mashatile

SADC troop withdrawal from DRC: A strategic move, not a defeat, says Paul Mashatile! Deputy President Paul Mashatile has emphasized that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) decision to withdraw troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) should not be interpreted as a sign of defeat. Instead, he asserts that the move is aimed at shifting focus towards peace efforts in the volatile region.

SADC Troops to Exit DRC

Two weeks ago, SADC announced its decision to pull out forces from the conflict-stricken eastern DRC. The mission, which included soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, was deployed to support the Congolese government in its fight against the M23 rebel group.

However, the operation has come at a significant cost. South Africa, in particular, has suffered heavy losses, with 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers killed in combat in January alone. Additionally, the financial burden of maintaining troops in the region has been substantial, with more than R2 billion spent since their deployment in December 2023.

SADC troop withdrawal from DRC

Despite the withdrawal, Mashatile assured the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday that South Africa remains fully committed to achieving peace and stability on the African continent.

Withdrawal Does Not Mean Abandonment

Mashatile sought to dispel concerns that South Africa and SADC were abandoning the Congolese people in their ongoing battle against insurgents.

“It should be seen as a confidence-building measure to ensure peace and stability in the eastern DRC,” he said.

The deputy president highlighted that withdrawing troops is a strategic move, aimed at encouraging political dialogue and diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the violence.

When Will Troops Come Home?

Despite the decision to withdraw, Mashatile was vague about when exactly the SANDF troops would start returning home. He explained that pulling out such a large military force, along with its heavy equipment, requires careful planning.

“Our troops have a lot of equipment there, so there has to be an organised way in which they are going to withdraw,” he stated.

This suggests that while SADC’s mission may be winding down, the process will not be immediate and could take several months to fully execute.

A Shift Towards Peace Negotiations

With the military operation ending, focus will now turn to peace talks to resolve the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC.

Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe has been appointed to a panel that will help facilitate a peace deal between the warring factions. His experience in conflict resolution and diplomacy will be crucial in mediating between the Congolese government, rebel groups, and regional stakeholders.

Why Is SADC Withdrawing?

Several factors have likely contributed to the SADC’s decision to pull out:

1. Mounting Casualties – The death toll among South African and other SADC troops has raised serious concerns. The loss of 14 SANDF soldiers in January highlighted the dangers of the mission.

2. Financial Burden – The mission has been expensive, costing South Africa over R2 billion in just a few months. Keeping troops deployed indefinitely is not sustainable.

3. Shifting Strategy – Rather than direct military intervention, there is now a greater emphasis on diplomatic efforts to bring about long-term stability.

4. Political Pressure – Governments in South Africa and other SADC countries may be facing public and political pressure to prioritize domestic issues over foreign military operations.

What Happens Next?

While the troop withdrawal is expected to take place in a phased manner, there are several key developments to watch:

• Timeline for Withdrawal: More details are expected in the coming weeks about when and how the withdrawal will be carried out.

• Peace Negotiations: With Motlanthe’s involvement, efforts will intensify to broker a peace deal and prevent further violence.

• Security in the DRC: Without SADC troops, the Congolese government will have to rely on its own forces and support from other international partners.

Final Thoughts

The decision by SADC to withdraw troops from the DRC marks a significant shift in the region’s approach to the ongoing conflict. While some may view it as a retreat, Mashatile insists it is part of a broader strategy to achieve peace through diplomacy rather than prolonged military engagement.

With Motlanthe’s panel stepping in to facilitate peace talks, the focus now turns to whether political negotiations can succeed where military intervention has struggled. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this approach will lead to a lasting resolution or if the violence will continue in the absence of SADC forces.