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The Co-Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Mr Malusi Gigaba and Mr Phiroane Phala, have welcomed the update through a media briefing by the Minister of Defence and the South African National Defence Force Military Command Council on the phased withdrawal of SANDF members from the Eastern DRC. The soldiers formed part of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the withdrawal follows the 13 March 2025 decision by Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“We welcome the assurance that SAMIDRC commanders have, in consultation with both opposing parties, agreed that all Prime Mission Equipment will be withdrawn and that no equipment will be left behind. This guarantee is critical to ensure that no equipment is left behind and could be used for nefarious reasons,” said Mr Phala.

The Co-Chairpersons also appreciated Rwanda's cooperation in allowing movement by road from Goma to the assembly area and Tanzania's cooperation in using the assembly point for the withdrawal. This cooperation is critical in ensuring that the withdrawal is seamless.

Despite the withdrawal, the Co-Chairperson reiterated the importance of diplomatic and political engagement to ensure peace and stability in the region. “This tactical withdrawal paves the way for diplomatic engagements between warring factions to find solutions as guided by the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which encourages diplomatic engagement to find peace. We continue to urge the AU and all regional bodies to offer diplomatic support and ensure peace and stability are achieved,” said Mr Gigaba.

The Co-Chairpersons appreciated the move by the Minister of Defence and the SANDF Military Command Council to brief the nation, which ensures accountability and openness.

Upon conclusion of the phased withdrawal, the committee will convene a meeting to get a full briefing on the mission in general and the support of the remaining cohort of soldiers that form part of the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Co-chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Malusi Gigaba and Phiroane Phala