Rwandan Forces See Off Departing SADC Troops Amid M23 Rebel Surge in Eastern Congo

Rwandan troops on Tuesday bid farewell to departing military personnel from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), signalling the end of a regional intervention force that has been operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to contain the M23 rebel group.

The soldiers, drawn from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi, are exiting the volatile region following a SADC decision to scale down its presence due to mounting casualties and logistical challenges.

The withdrawal has sparked criticism from the Congolese government, which sees the move as a blow to its fight against the rebels.

M23, short for March 23 Movement, is a predominantly Tutsi rebel faction that resurfaced in 2021, claiming to protect Tutsi communities.

However, Kinshasa accuses neighbouring Rwanda of backing the group to exploit mineral resources in North Kivu—an allegation Kigali strongly denies.

The rebels have since overrun a string of strategic towns including Masisi, Rubaya, Walikale, Minova and Mushaki, edging dangerously close to the provincial capital, Goma.

The departure of SADC troops has widened a rift between the DRC and the regional bloc, with President Félix Tshisekedi’s government expressing frustration over the timing and lack of coordination.

Tensions have also flared between the DRC and Rwanda, with Kinshasa alleging direct Rwandan military involvement on Congolese soil.

Amid growing instability, international mediation efforts have gained urgency.

The United States recently brokered a deal between the DRC and Rwanda, under which both sides agreed to halt support for armed groups and work toward a peace deal by early May.

The agreement also includes the establishment of a joint security mechanism and a pathway for American investment in critical mineral supply chains.

Earlier this year, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an end to M23 offensives and demanding the withdrawal of foreign forces. Despite these initiatives, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with over 7 million people displaced and millions affected by ongoing violence.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org