Rwanda’s military is providing an escort for troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as they withdraw from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), en route to Tanzania, a spokesperson for the Rwandan army confirmed on Tuesday.
The SADC force, known as SAMIDRC, had been deployed in December 2023 to support Congolese forces against various rebel groups in the conflict-plagued eastern region. However, in mid-March, the regional bloc announced it would end the mission’s mandate and begin a phased withdrawal.
The withdrawal follows a series of setbacks, including the fall of Goma—the largest city in eastern Congo—to M23 rebels in February. Many SAMIDRC troops reportedly sought refuge at UN peacekeeping bases after the loss of the strategic city.
The escorted exit through Rwanda underscores ongoing regional tensions and the complex dynamics involving the DRC, Rwanda, and rebel factions.
