Rwanda escorts SADC troops through its territory to Tanzania as the Southern African regional force begins its withdrawal from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and army spokesperson Ronald Rwivanga confirmed the movement on Tuesday, emphasizing that it marked a step forward in the region’s peace process.
Earlier this year, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a bloc of 16 countries, decided to end its military mission in Congo. The force, called SAMIDRC, arrived in December 2023 to support Congo’s government in fighting rebel groups. However, Rwanda objected from the outset, warning that the deployment would escalate tensions.
In a statement posted on X, Nduhungirehe explained that “the presence of SAMIDRC troops was always a complicating factor in the conflict, and today’s start of withdrawal marks a positive step in support of the ongoing peace process.” His remarks signaled Rwanda’s renewed hope for de-escalation and diplomacy.
Since February, M23 rebels—widely believed to receive support from Rwanda—have intensified their offensive. Notably, they captured Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, forcing many SAMIDRC troops to seek shelter at U.N. peacekeeping facilities. Although Rwanda denies providing aid to the rebels, U.N. investigators continue to allege links between Kigali and M23.
On Tuesday, Rwivanga reported that a portion of the SAMIDRC troops departed from Goma. According to him, their convoy was expected to reach neighboring Tanzania within hours. A witness in Gisenyi, Rwanda, observed about 20 military vehicles crossing the border. These included trucks carrying equipment, South African and Tanzanian soldiers, and at least one ambulance marked with SAMIDRC symbols. The drivers informed bystanders that the entire group was heading to Tanzania.
While the pullout has started, it remains partial. An M23 source revealed that only half of the SAMIDRC personnel in Goma had left on Tuesday, with the rest scheduled to exit later. Therefore, the full withdrawal may take additional days.
The broader conflict continues to escalate. Since January, M23 rebels have taken control of eastern Congo’s two largest cities. Their campaign has caused thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands. The unrest stems from unresolved tensions dating back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the ongoing fight for control over Congo’s mineral wealth.
Related Article: Rwanda and DRC Take Bold Step Toward Peace and Cooperation
Rwanda has long argued that its troops act only in self-defense. Officials claim Congo’s government cooperates with militias responsible for the genocide. In March 2024, Rwanda formally requested the African Union and international actors to avoid supporting SAMIDRC. Kigali accused the mission of aiding armed groups linked to anti-Rwandan elements.
Although diplomatic efforts have fallen short in recent months, hope remains. Angola and Qatar have attempted to mediate, though their efforts have not yielded a ceasefire. Encouragingly, Rwanda and Congo signed a preliminary agreement in Washington last week. Both governments pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2.
This ongoing withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops may ease some immediate friction between Rwanda and Congo. Nonetheless, long-term peace will depend on sustained dialogue and regional cooperation. Observers warn that unless a political solution is reached soon, renewed violence could follow.
For real-time updates on troop movements and peace efforts, visit the SADC website. Additional briefings and diplomatic news are also available through the Rwanda Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Peacekeeping Missions.
