Assertions by South Africa’s defence minister that SA National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will only exit once a withdrawal decision comes from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) appear to hold true.
That is according to a statement following a recent SADC virtual extraordinary summit at which its Heads of State and Government Organ and the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security “deliberated on the escalating situation in the eastern part of DRC”.
The 416 word statement has it the summit received the latest updates on the security situation in the eastern part of President Felix Tshisekedi’s war-torn DRC. It further deliberated on its defence sub-committee’s review of the SAMIDRC (SADC Mission in the DRC) mandate. The summit outcomes and recommendations will be tabled at an extraordinary summit of SADC Heads of State and Government “to be convened soon, on a date to be confirmed”.
During the 6 March SADC extraordinary summit, the East African Community (EAC) and SADC technical experts apparently assessed that SAMIDRC’s situation has become untenable, given the significant challenges it faces in implementing its mandate.
South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania are the three troop contributing countries (TCCs) to SAMIDRC. Reports from the Malawian capital, Lilongwe, last month have it President Lazarus Chakwera ordered the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to “begin preparations for the withdrawal of Malawian troops… to honour the declaration of a ceasefire by the warring parties there [in eastern DRC] and to pave way for their planned negotiations towards a lasting peace”. No timeframe was given.
South Africa, which had reportedly sent reinforcements after 14 of its soldiers were killed in North Kivu in late January, has also hinted at a potential drawdown of its soldiers, depending on the implementation of decisions adopted at the 8 February EAC-SADC summit, according to the Security Council Report news publication. It noted that Malawi had already decided to withdraw its troops from the eastern DRC. “Additionally, it seems that the SADC Organ Troika Plus has recommended the withdrawal of SAMIDRC soldiers and equipment from eastern DRC. The outcome of this meeting is expected to be considered at an upcoming SADC extraordinary summit of heads of state and government,” the publication added.
After EAC and SADC meetings in Tanzania on 23 and 24 February, one of the issues raised was the possibility of deploying a hybrid force comprising the EAC, SADC, and the African Union (AU). However, it appears that the DRC does not support this proposal. The outcome of these meetings is expected to be discussed at the EAC and SADC Council of Ministers meeting on 13 March, according to the Security Council Report.
Like the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), SAMIDRC is facing serious challenges, including restrictions on its freedom of movement. MONUSCO is mandated to provide operational and logistical support to SAMIDRC. However, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC and Head of MONUSCO Bintou Keita explained at a 19 February Security Council meeting the difficulties that MONUSCO is facing in supplying SAMIDRC soldiers with basic necessities such as water.
SAMIDRC forces – including South African troops – are confined by M23 rebels to Goma and Sake, with their movements controlled and food and water supplies limited. The rebels, who had previously entrenched themselves in Goma in North Kivu, have now expanded their presence to the South Kivu capital Bukavu, establishing new administrative structures in the city.
Despite efforts by SADC and the East African Community (EAC), fighting between Congolese security forces and the M23-led rebel group, has intensified in recent weeks.
Last week’s SADC virtual summit provides confirmation, in part of what defence minister Minister Angie Motshekga told MKP (uMkhonto we Sizwe Party) National Whip Des van Rooyen in response to a Parliamentary question.
Among others, he wanted Motshekga to shed light on whether the SANDF “will lose any credibility if they withdraw from DRC because of fatalities on the battlefield?” He also asked if the Infantry Formation of the SA Army was “sufficiently motivated to handle the current situation in DRC” and was told the formation “remains highly motivated”.
As far as any withdrawal is concerned Motshekga said this would only happen when SADC “pronounces” on its mission exiting DRC.
On the weekend, City Press reported that the end is in sight for the roughly 2 000 SANDF soldiers deployed with SAMIDRC. Although their withdrawal still needs to be approved by the SADC, the publication suggested wheels are in motion to withdraw them following last week’s high-level virtual meeting.
The proposed withdrawal will occur in phases, but the exact details and timelines have yet to be worked out. It is uncertain whether South African troops will be able to take all their weapons and equipment with when they return. The planned withdrawal, proposed by the defence chiefs of the three countries involved as the only option, is subject to a sustained ceasefire and the resumption of peace negotiations, City Press reported.
