Synopsis
On April 15, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) firmly dismissed the claims that its forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are conducting joint military operations with Congolese troops, asserting that these allegations are both inaccurate and misleading, while reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability in the region.Key Takeaways
- SADC denies involvement in joint military operations.
- Claims made by M23 deemed inaccurate.
- SADC Mission in DRC is withdrawing as per directives.
- Commitment to peaceful solutions in the region.
- Focus on de-escalating tensions and misinformation.
Gaborone, April 15 (NationPress) The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has categorically rejected claims that its regional force stationed in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is involved in joint military operations alongside Congolese troops.
A statement released on Monday from its headquarters in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, indicated that the 16-member organization has denounced allegations made by the March 23 Movement (M23) in a communique dated April 12, labeling them as “inaccurate and misleading.”
SADC firmly stated, “We categorically deny these allegations. These claims are both inaccurate and misleading,” emphasizing that the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) has not engaged in any joint operations as suggested.
The organization also pointed out that SAMIDRC is currently executing a structured and coordinated withdrawal from the DRC, adhering to directives from the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. The bloc had previously announced the conclusion of the deployment in March, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Furthermore, SADC reiterated its commitment to the outcomes of a consultative meeting that took place on March 28, 2025, in Goma, eastern DRC, involving SADC representatives and M23 leadership.
The statement emphasized that SADC remains focused on supporting peaceful and diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving enduring stability in eastern DRC.
All involved parties have been urged by the SADC secretariat to act responsibly, avoid spreading misinformation, and collaborate to de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the area.
Eastern DRC has faced decades of conflict, with armed groups such as M23 competing for control over the mineral-rich territory. This violence has led to the displacement of millions and exacerbated an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
SAMIDRC, which comprises troops from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, was deployed in December 2023 as part of regional efforts to facilitate peace processes and enhance security in partnership with Congolese authorities.
