KIGALI – Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops deployed under the Samidrc mission are preparing to exit eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by land through Rwanda, after their relationship with the M23-led Alliance of Congolese Forces (AFC/M23) broke down last week.
The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the volatile eastern DR Congo conflict, coming just days after the AFC/M23 formally asked the SADC force to leave.
The rebels accused Samidrc of actively participating in recent clashes near Goma, siding with Kinshasa-aligned insurgents.
Tensions escalated during overnight skirmishes on Friday, when Samidrc units stationed in Mubambiro reportedly flew a surveillance drone—seen by AFC/M23 as hostile reconnaissance.
That incident led the rebels to cancel an earlier agreement allowing Samidrc to leave peacefully via Goma airport once renovations were complete.
With that deal now off the table, Rwanda has stepped in to facilitate what it describes as a “safe and respectful” land exit for the SADC troops.
A senior Rwandan official told The New Times that Kigali views the move as part of an "Africa-led process to find lasting peace and security in the region."
“This is a welcome development that’s in line with African solutions to African problems,” the state-owned digital media reported.
It is understood that the withdrawal—likely to include military equipment—will be conducted quietly, possibly out of the media spotlight, to avoid further tensions or provocation.
AFC/M23, which seized control of Goma nearly three months ago, is reportedly pleased with Samidrc’s impending exit.
The group has long been suspicious of the regional force’s neutrality and now considers their withdrawal a strategic win.
The exact timeline for the pullout remains unclear, but preparations are underway as regional dynamics continue to shift amid renewed efforts for a political solution to the crisis.