The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced the termination of its troop deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
On 13 March 2025, SADC held a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government to discuss the escalating security situation in the DRC.
A communiqué issued by the SADC Secretariat after the summit said that troops deployed under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) will be withdrawn in phases. Part of the communiqué reads:
<blockquote>
Summit terminated the Mandate of SAMIDRC and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC.
</blockquote>
SAMIDRC is a regional peacekeeping mission deployed by SADC to assist the Congolese government in restoring peace and security in the eastern regions of the DRC.
The mission began in December 2023 in response to the escalating conflict fueled by armed groups, including the M23, which is reportedly supported by Rwanda.
The SAMIDRC mission involves troops from countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi, working alongside the Congolese Army to neutralise armed groups and stabilise the region.
The security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains extremely volatile, particularly in the eastern regions. 
The M23 armed group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its operations, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians who are fleeing their homes in search of safety.
The M23 currently controls large swaths of territory in the eastern DRC, including the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. 
Key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, have fallen under their control, and the group has also set up a parallel administration.

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The SADC, a group of African countries, decided to stop sending troops to help keep peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The troops will leave in phases. The mission started in 2023 because of fighting from armed groups like the M23, supported by Rwanda. The situation in the DRC, especially in the east, is still very dangerous. The M23 is controlling parts of the country and making people flee their homes. Now, the SADC troops will start to go back to their own countries.

SADC Terminates Peacekeeping Mission In DRC, Troops To Be Withdrawn In Phases

The Rwandan government has condemned the United Kingdom’s decision to impose sanctions in response to Kigali’s alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has seized large parts of eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, along with valuable mineral resources.
On Tuesday, February 25, the UK announced it would pause some of its bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose diplomatic sanctions on the country.
In a statement, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed disappointment, saying it was regrettable that the UK had “clearly chosen a side.”
The ministry argued that it was “unreasonable” to expect Rwanda to compromise its national security and the safety of its people.
Rwanda asserted that these measures would not help resolve the situation in the DRC or contribute to a lasting political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
Rwanda denies supporting the M23 group and claims its troops are simply defending against hostile groups based in the DRC.
Below is the full statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in response to the UK’s actions:
<blockquote>
The punitive measures announced today by the UK Government in response to the conflict in eastern DRC – where the UK has now clearly chosen a side – are regrettable.
It is unreasonable to expect Rwanda to compromise its national security and the safety of Rwandans.
The measures do nothing to help the Democratic Republic of Congo, nor do they contribute to achieving a sustainable political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
The Government of the DRC has a lot more to answer for than any other party within the DRC itself and in the region but gets away with all manner of violations for reasons that are obvious to all.
Consistently not holding the Government of the DRC accountable for repeated attacks on its own citizens, including the ongoing indiscriminate bombing of Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu, encourages the DRC to double down on a military path, prolonging the conflict and the suffering of civilians.
Rwanda will continue to insist on security guarantees, which the DRC and the international community have so far been unwilling or unable to provide.
This perpetual situation of instability seems to benefit, directly or indirectly, a number of those associated with the conflict.
Rwanda is fully committed to working with partner states on the ongoing African-led mediation process and calls on the international community to support this effort, which is the only credible pathway to a negotiated solution.
</blockquote>

The Rwanda government is upset with the UK for imposing sanctions because Rwanda is accused of helping rebels in Congo. The UK stopped giving money to Rwanda and put diplomatic pressure on them. Rwanda says it's not fair to expect them to risk their safety for Congo. They say the sanctions won't help Congo. Rwanda denies supporting the rebels and says they are just defending themselves. They want the DRC government to be held accountable for attacks on their citizens. Rwanda wants security guarantees and a peaceful solution to the conflict in Congo.

Rwanda Criticises UK Decision To Impose Sanctions, Defends Its Actions In DRC Conflict

The United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that it would pause some of its bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose sanctions in response to Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has captured large areas of eastern DR Congo, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as valuable mineral resources.
While Kigali denies supporting the group, it claims that its troops are defending against hostile groups based in the DRC.
The British government said that it would take action until significant progress was made in ending the conflict and withdrawing all Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.
The measures include ending high-level attendance at Rwandan government events, limiting trade promotion with Rwanda, and pausing direct financial aid to Rwanda, except for support for the poorest and most vulnerable, among others.
The UK also said it will coordinate with its partners on potential new sanctions, suspend future defence training for Rwanda, and review export licenses for the Rwanda Defence Force. A UK Government spokesperson said:
<blockquote>
The UK is deeply concerned by the situation in eastern DRC. The Foreign Secretary met with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and President Kagame in Kigali on 21 and 22 February.
In his meetings, he was clear that there can be no military solution to the conflict. There must be an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The recent offensives by M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, are an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of the UN Charter.
The Foreign Secretary urged both leaders to engage meaningfully and in good faith with African-led peace processes to find a lasting political solution.
They must honour all commitments made at the Joint EAC-SADC Summit on 8 February. The UK will continue to discuss with African and other partners what more it can do to support these efforts.
The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is critical. Close to a million people have been recently displaced in eastern DRC and hundreds of thousands are in desperate need of lifesaving support.
There is a responsibility on all parties to protect the people of eastern DRC who have suffered so much in this conflict.
The Foreign Secretary has been clear that there would be a strong response from the international community in response to the escalating conflict.
In recent weeks, the UK has coordinated closely with international partners, including those from the G7 and the International Contact Group on the Great Lakes, on that response.
We have also used every appropriate opportunity at the United Nations Security Council and the Human Rights Council to call for a resolution to the conflict in Eastern DRC.
During the Foreign Secretary’s visit, he announced an additional package of £14.6 million of humanitarian support to help those in Eastern DRC who are suffering most.
The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, meaningful engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory.
Until significant progress is made, the UK will take the following measures:
1. Cease high-level attendance at events hosted by the Government of Rwanda.
2. Limit trade promotion activity with Rwanda.
3. Pause direct bilateral financial aid to the Government of Rwanda, excluding support to the poorest and most vulnerable.
4. Coordinate with partners on potential new sanctions designations.
5. Suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda.
6. Review export licences for the Rwanda Defence Force.
Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict. We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue.
We will continue to keep our policy under review.
</blockquote>

The UK is upset with Rwanda for their involvement in the conflict in the Congo. They are stopping aid and imposing sanctions until Rwanda pulls their troops out of Congo. The UK is also stopping high-level meetings with Rwanda, limiting trade with them, and more. The UK wants peace and for the fighting to stop so people in the Congo can be safe. They want leaders to talk and find a peaceful solution. The UK is giving money to help people in the Congo who are suffering because of the conflict. They hope to end the fighting and protect the people in the Congo.

Britain Imposes Sanctions On Rwanda Over DRC Conflict

The Rwandan government has condemned the US decision to sanction a government minister over his alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0dg11y6xko">reported BBC</a>.
On Thursday, the US Treasury Department imposed financial sanctions on Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, accusing him of playing a key role in Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group.
Kabarebe, a former army chief, was blamed for aiding the rebels, alongside M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka, who was also sanctioned. Kanyuka controls two companies in the UK and France.
The UK followed with a warning, saying that Rwanda could face “consequences” for its role in the conflict.
In response, Rwanda’s foreign ministry called the sanctions “unjustified and unfounded,” insisting they would not solve the conflict in the DRC.
The M23 group, mostly ethnic Tutsis, has recently captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. This has sparked a major humanitarian crisis, displacing many families.
Western nations have accused Rwanda of supplying arms and military support to the M23, claims which Rwanda denies.
The US Treasury said that both Kabarebe and Kanyuka are linked to violence and human rights abuses in the DRC.
Bradley Smith, acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said:
<blockquote>
Today’s action underscores our intent to hold accountable key officials and leaders like Kabarebe and Kanyuka, who are enabling the RDF and M23’s destabilizing activities in the eastern DRC.
The United States remains committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
</blockquote>
Rwanda dismissed the US sanctions, saying Kigali’s goal was simply to secure its border and bring about an “irreversible end to the politics of armed ethnic extremism” in the region. The Foreign Ministry said:
<blockquote>
Rwandans have the right to live in peace and without the perpetual threat of insecurity originating from the DRC.
Punitive measures, including sanctions, make no contribution toward long-term security, peace and stability for all the countries of the Great Lakes region.
</blockquote>
DR Congo welcomed the US sanctions, saying it wanted to see more such measures.
In a statement posted on social media, DR Congo government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said:
<blockquote>
This marks the beginning of a long series of sanctions that we want to be more robust from the UN Security Council, the European Union and other partners in order to force Rwanda to withdraw its troops and cease its criminal activities on our soil.
</blockquote>
At the G20 foreign ministers meeting in South Africa on Friday, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the reported involvement of Rwandan troops, calling it a “blatant breach of the UN Charter” that could escalate into a regional conflict.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, speaking at the event, also condemned recent attacks on UN forces and regional peacekeepers in the DRC.
Meanwhile, China said that it “firmly supports the African people in independently resolving African problems and opposes external interference in the internal affairs of African countries”.

The US put sanctions on Rwanda's former army chief and M23 spokesperson for their involvement in the war in Congo. Rwanda says the sanctions are unfair. The M23 rebels, mostly Tutsis, have taken over cities in Congo, causing a crisis. Western nations say Rwanda is giving weapons to the rebels, but Rwanda denies it. Congo supports the US sanctions and wants more. Other countries at a meeting condemned Rwanda's actions in the conflict. China says African problems should be solved by Africans without outside interference. Congo wants more countries to put pressure on Rwanda to stop the conflict.

DRC War: US Sanctions Rwanda's Former Army Chief And M23 Spokesperson

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advanced into the heart of Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday.
Witnesses and the armed group said the rebels encountered minimal resistance from government forces, reported <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/m23-rebels-enter-centre-strategic-city-bukavu-2025-02-16/">Reuters</a>.
The M23 rebels have been aiming to capture Bukavu since taking Goma in late January. If Bukavu’s fall is confirmed, it would mark the group’s most significant gain since reviving a decade-old insurgency in eastern Congo in 2022.
Late on Saturday, the Congolese presidency said the provincial capital remained under the control of its troops and allied forces.
However, early on Sunday, the rebels had advanced into central Bukavu, according to residents and a local official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.
M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma confirmed the group’s presence in Bukavu and posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing fighters in the city’s central Independence Square.
Residents reported seeing M23 troops moving through central Bukavu since early morning, with no signs of resistance.
Gunshots were intermittently heard from Camp Saio, the city’s main military base, according to two people living nearby.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels took over Bukavu city in Congo with little resistance. The rebels have been aiming to capture the city for a while now. The Congolese government said they still control Bukavu, but residents saw rebels in the city. People heard gunshots from the military base. If the rebels keep control, it would be their biggest victory in a long time. Residents are scared and worried about what will happen next.

M23 Rebels Advance Into Eastern DRC's Strategic City Of Bukavu

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) have jointly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The ceasefire will be enforced by army chiefs within five days.
SADC and EAC leaders held a joint summit in Tanzania on Saturday, 08 February, to address the crisis in the eastern DRC.
Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebels have captured Goma and the war has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
A communique issued after the summit outlined the resolutions, including the call for a ceasefire. It reads in part:
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The Joint Summit directed the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces to meet within five (5) days and provide technical direction on immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, provision of humanitarian assistance including repatriation of the deceased and evacuation of the injured.
</blockquote>
The joint summit also called for the reopening of main supply routes and Goma airport. Reads the communique:
<blockquote>
Develop a securitisation plan for Goma and surrounding areas, opening of main supply routes including Goma-Sake-Bukavu; Goma-Kibumba-Rumangabo-Kalengera- Rutshuru-Bunagana; and Goma- Kiwanja-Rwindi- Kanyabayonga-Lubero including navigation on Lake Kivu between Goma and Bukavu and immediate re-opening of Goma Airport.
</blockquote>
The leaders called for negotiations and dialogue with all state and non-state parties, including military and non-military groups such as the M23.
They also directed that plans for the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from the DRC be developed and implemented.
SADC Chairman President Mnangagwa, EAC counterpart President Ruto, and host Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan were among the attendees.
DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi, who accuses Rwanda of backing rebels in his country, participated virtually.
Also in attendance were Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa, Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.

Leaders from Southern African and East African countries want the fighting in Congo to stop. They met in Tanzania and want army leaders to enforce a ceasefire in the next five days. The rebels have taken over a city and many people are suffering. They also want safe routes for supplies and the airport to open again. The leaders want to talk to everyone involved in the conflict and remove foreign soldiers from Congo. They hope that these actions will bring peace to the region.

SADC, EAC Leaders Call For An Immediate Ceasefire In Eastern DRC

The M23 rebels who took control of Goma, a key city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, announced a unilateral ceasefire on Monday for humanitarian reasons, following calls for a safe corridor for aid and displaced people. The ceasefire is set to begin on Tuesday.
The announcement came shortly after the U.N. health agency reported at least 900 fatalities in the recent fighting between the rebels and Congolese forces in Goma, according to AP.
The city, with a population of 2 million, remains under rebel control and is located in a region with substantial mineral wealth.
The M23 rebels have been reported to be gaining ground in other areas of eastern Congo and advancing towards another provincial capital, Bukavu. 
However, the rebels said on Monday that they do not intend to seize Bukavu, despite earlier ambitions to march on Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, which is a thousand miles away.
M23 rebel spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka said in a statement:
<blockquote>
It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. However, we reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions.
</blockquote>
The M23 rebels are supported by approximately 4,000 troops from neighbouring Rwanda, according to U.N. experts.
This is far more than in 2012 when they briefly captured Goma before withdrawing under international pressure.
The M23 is one of over 100 armed groups in Congo’s east, which is rich in minerals critical to global technology.
M23 claims to be defending ethnic Tutsis in Congo. Rwanda has said Tutsis are being persecuted by Hutus and former militias responsible for the 1994 genocide of 800,000 Tutsis and others in Rwanda.
Many Hutus fled to Congo after the genocide and formed the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda militia group. Rwanda has said this group is “fully integrated” into the Congolese military, which denies the charges.

A rebel group called M23 in Congo announced a ceasefire to help people in need. They have control of the city Goma and are supported by Rwanda. The rebels say they won't take over other places but will protect civilians. The United Nations says there have been deaths in recent fighting. The rebels are fighting because they say they are protecting Tutsis. Rwanda and Congo have a long history of conflict. The rebels have a lot of troops and control valuable minerals.

Rwandan-backed Rebel Group M23 Declares Ceasefire In DRC For "Humanitarian Reasons"

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has accused South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and government officials of “lying” and “distorting” discussions between the two leaders in a statement to South Africans on Wednesday.
Kagame’s response came after Ramaphosa shared a statement on X (formerly Twitter) accusing Rwanda of involvement in the deaths of 13 South African peacekeeping troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He blamed the rebel group M23 which is said to be funded by Rwanda, and Rwandan troops for the killing of South African soldiers.
In his statement, Ramaphosa said the fighting was “the result of an escalation by the rebel group M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia engaging the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).”
In a media briefing on Wednesday, South Africa’s Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga, said that Ramaphosa had warned Rwanda that firing on South African troops would be considered an act of war.
Kagame confirmed on his official X page that he and Ramaphosa had held two conversations earlier this week, including one just hours before the statement.
He responded to Ramaphosa’s claims, labelling them as distortions, attacks, and outright lies. Wrote Kagame:
<blockquote>
I held two conversations this week with President Ramaphosa on the situation in Eastern DRC, including earlier today.
What has been said about these conversations in the media by South African officials and President Ramaphosa himself contains a lot of distortion, deliberate attacks, and even lies.
If words can change so much from a conversation to a public statement, it says a lot about how these very important issues are being managed.
A few important clarifications for the record:
1. The Rwanda Defence Force is an army, not a militia.
2. SAMIDRC is not a peacekeeping force, and it has no place in this situation. It was authorized by SADC as a belligerent force engaging in offensive combat operations to help the DRC Government fight against its own people, working alongside genocidal armed groups like FDLR which target Rwanda, while also threatening to take the war to Rwanda itself.
3. SAMIDRC displaced a true peacekeeping force, the East African Community Regional Force, and this contributed to the failure of the negotiation processes.
4. President Ramaphosa has never given a “warning” of any kind, unless it was delivered in his local language which I do not understand. He did ask for support to ensure the South African force has adequate electricity, food and water, which we shall help communicate.
5. President Ramaphosa confirmed to me that M23 did not kill the soldiers from South Africa, FARDC did.
6. If South Africa wants to contribute to peaceful solutions, that is well and good, but South Africa is in no position to take on the role of a peacemaker or mediator. And if South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day.
</blockquote>

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame is mad at South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa for accusing Rwanda of hurting South African soldiers. Kagame says Ramaphosa is lying and distorting the truth. Ramaphosa warned Rwanda that attacking South African troops would be like a declaration of war. Kagame says the two leaders talked, but Ramaphosa's statement is wrong. Kagame also says the group blamed for the soldiers' deaths, M23, did not do it. He says he is ready to confront South Africa if needed. Kagame is angry and wants everyone to know the truth.

Rwanda’s Kagame Accuses Ramaphosa Of Lying, Says Ready For Confrontation

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has blamed the rebel group M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) for the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in recent days.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said that M23 rebels and RDF forces attacked both the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), leading to the deaths of the South African soldiers, who were part of the peacekeeping force. He said:
<blockquote>
Following the recent intensification of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa has lost 13 brave soldiers who were dedicated to their mission and committed to peace.
The fighting is the result of an escalation by the rebel group M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia engaging the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
On behalf of the government and the people of our country, I express our sincerest condolences to their families, their loved ones and colleagues. We bow our heads in honor of their heroic and gallant fight for peace.
</blockquote>
The South African President said that full support is being provided to the families of the deceased and the injured and that efforts to repatriate the remains of the fallen soldiers are currently underway. He added:
<blockquote>
The attacks on peacekeepers resulted in the deaths of SAMIDRC members from other troop-contributing countries, namely, Malawi and Tanzania, as well as members of the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) brigade.
We honour all the lives that were lost and pass our condolences to their families, governments and citizens.
The situation in Goma and Sake, where our troops and their counterparts are stationed, remains very tense, volatile and unpredictable.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms Angie Motshekga and the Chief of the SANDF Gen Rudzani Maphwanya and SAMIDRC Force Commander Maj Gen Monwabisi Dyakopu are working to ensure that the SAMIDRC forces remain well equipped and sufficiently supported during this critical mission.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa expressed concern over speculation regarding the condition of the country’s troops in the DRC and the challenges they are facing.
Recent reports have suggested that the soldiers are under-equipped and operating in difficult conditions. Said Ramaphosa:
<blockquote>
We are concerned about the speculation about the state of our troops and the battle conditions. All South Africans must rally behind our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace to our continent.
South Africa’s military presence in the eastern DRC is not a declaration of war against any country or state. The members of the South African National Defence Force that are in the DRC are part of both SADC and United Nations efforts to bring peace and protect thousands of lives that are constantly threatened by the conflict in the DRC.
The presence of the SAMIDRC forces demonstrates a commitment of SADC member states to supporting the DRC in its efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability and ultimately, create an enabling environment for sustainable development and prosperity.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa commended the United Nations for calling for a ceasefire, the reversal of territorial gains by the M23, and the withdrawal of external forces from the DRC. He said:
<blockquote>
We welcome the position that was recently adopted by the United Nations Security Council during its special sitting on the situation in the DRC, which calls for an immediate end to hostilities, the reversal of territorial expansion by the M23, the exit of external forces from the DRC and the resumption of peace talks under the Nairobi Process.
The territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected in accordance with the United Nations Charter on the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other states.
We call on all parties to this conflict to fully embrace the current diplomatic efforts that are aimed at finding a peaceful resolution, including honouring the Luanda Process agreements.
We must silence the guns on our continent for the attainment of inclusive development and prosperity.
</blockquote>

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa blames rebel group M23 and Rwandan forces for the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in DRC. The soldiers were part of a peacekeeping mission. Support is given to families of deceased and injured soldiers. Concerns arise about soldiers' conditions and equipment. UN calls for ceasefire and withdrawal of external forces from DRC. South Africa's military presence aims for peace and stability in DRC. Diplomatic efforts are urged for a peaceful resolution. Ramaphosa calls for silencing guns for development and prosperity in Africa.

Ramaphosa Blames M23 And Rwandese "Militia" For Deaths Of 13 South African Soldiers In DRC

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has called for the withdrawal of South African soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they are deployed as peacekeepers under the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
Malema’s call comes after 13 South African soldiers were killed in recent days while fighting M23 rebels in Eastern DRC.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Malema claimed that South African soldiers had surrendered to the M23, a rebel group reportedly supported by Rwanda.
However, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) denied these claims on Tuesday, stating that its soldiers had not surrendered to the rebels. Wrote Malema:
<blockquote>
The truth is undeniable, the SA army has surrendered, and M23 is disarming them. Today’s portfolio committee meeting has been postponed simply because the Minister of Defence chose not to appear. 
We cannot stand by and be complicit in this situation; we must take a stand and demand the immediate withdrawal of our soldiers from the DRC.
It is imperative that we increase the military budget, and all military equipment tenders must be halted without delay.
Denel must be empowered with the mandate to produce military equipment, and our soldiers must undergo re-training before considering redeployment. We will not accept anything less.
</blockquote>
Denel SOC Ltd is a South African state-owned aerospace and military technology conglomerate that designs, integrates, and supports a wide range of products, including artillery, munitions, missiles, aerostructures, aircraft maintenance, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, and optical payloads.
Meanwhile, some South African security experts and retired military generals have warned that a withdrawal from the DRC would weaken South Africa’s position and portray it as vulnerable.
These experts argue that South African troops should not retreat in the face of a rebel group backed by a small country like Rwanda.
They pointed out that South Africa is a major power, not only in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region but across the entire African continent.

South African leader Julius Malema wants soldiers out of Congo after 13 killed by rebels. He says soldiers surrendered, but military denies. Malema demands immediate withdrawal, more money for defense, and new training for soldiers. Experts warn that leaving Congo would weaken South Africa's power. They say South Africa should be strong and not back down from rebels. South Africa is a big player in Africa and should not look weak.

Malema Calls For Troop Withdrawal From DRC After M23 Rebel Attack Kills 13 Soldiers

Rebels claim to have taken control of the city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, but the government denies it.
As reported by <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qwlkydxxko">BBC</a>, videos show M23 rebels patrolling Goma after advancing on the Congolese army, causing tens of thousands to flee.
According to local media reports, the streets are now quiet after hours of fighting.
DR Congo’s foreign minister accuses Rwanda of declaring war by supporting M23. Rwanda admits backing M23 but blames DR Congo for supporting anti-Kigali militias.
Kenya calls for a ceasefire and an emergency summit with DR Congo and Rwanda. M23 has controlled parts of eastern DR Congo since 2021 and recently advanced on Goma.
Key roads are blocked, and the airport is closed. The government claims it still controls strategic areas, including the airport. It said:
<blockquote>
Contrary to the manipulative messages circulating on social networks the FARDC [the DR Congo army] hold the Goma airport… and all the strategic points of the capital of the North Kivu Province.
</blockquote>
It added that the army was “more than determined to defend the homeland at the cost of the supreme sacrifice.”
The rebels ordered soldiers to surrender their weapons, imposing a 48-hour deadline that ended early on Monday. UN peacekeepers said some Congolese soldiers had surrendered their firearms before the deadline.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from DR Congo and urged M23 to stop its advance.
He called on Rwanda to “cease support to the M23 and withdraw from DRC territory” and on M23 to “cease all hostile actions and withdraw from occupied areas.”
This followed the death of 13 soldiers serving with peacekeeping forces in clashes with the rebels.
Both DR Congo and the UN say M23 is backed by Rwanda. Rwanda has not denied this but blames DR Congo for the conflict.
At a Security Council meeting, Rwanda’s UN representative, Ernest Rwamucyo, regretted that the international community condemned M23 rather than the Congolese army, which, he said, had violated a ceasefire.
On Saturday, the UN announced it would pull all non-essential staff out of Goma.
M23 was formed in 2012 as an offshoot of another rebel group to protect the Tutsi population in eastern DR Congo, which had long complained of persecution and discrimination.
Rwanda previously said the Congolese authorities were working with those responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide, who fled to DR Congo.
Rwanda’s critics accuse it of using M23 to loot minerals such as gold, cobalt, and tantalum in eastern DR Congo.

Rebels called M23 say they have taken over Goma city in Congo, but the government says they haven't. M23 rebels are supported by Rwanda, but Rwanda blames Congo for supporting anti-Rwandan groups. Kenya wants the fighting to stop and calls for a meeting. The United Nations want Rwanda to leave Congo and for M23 to stop fighting. M23 wants soldiers to give up their weapons. UN peacekeepers had clashes with rebels, and some soldiers died. M23 started in 2012 to protect a group of people in eastern Congo. Rwanda is accused of using M23 to get minerals from Congo.

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