SADC troops withdraw as M23 advances in Eastern DRC

The withdrawal of around 1,300 Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is raising alarms as the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, continues its advance in the mineral-rich eastern region. Despite international diplomatic pressure and sanctions, Kigali remains defiant, insisting on defending its sovereignty.

A Looming Security Crisis

Congolese analyst Christian Moleka warns that the power vacuum left by SADC troops will only deepen instability in an already fragile region.

“This approach does not fundamentally resolve the issue,” Moleka said. “It may calm tensions in the short term, but the international community must eventually recognize who the aggressor and the victim are.”

The withdrawal is seen as a strategic setback for Kinshasa, which had hoped to militarily weaken the M23 as was done in 2013. However, the Congolese military faces major resource shortages, and during previous M23 offensives in Goma and Bukavu, dozens of soldiers defected to join the rebels.

Internal Reforms Needed for Stability

Moleka stresses the urgent need for security reforms, noting that the success of Kinshasa’s military strategy depends on political unity and leadership changes.

“There are significant reforms needed in the security apparatus,” he said. “The president must restore internal cohesion, implement key military leadership reforms, and reduce internal conflicts.”

Kinshasa Under Pressure to Negotiate

While Kinshasa remains reluctant to engage in direct talks with M23 under Luanda’s mediation, Moleka argues that international pressure is mounting for negotiations.

“Kinshasa has little room to avoid talks in Luanda,” he said. “The M23 continues to advance in South Kivu, and there are fears that fighting could spread to Kindu, Maniema, Tshopo, Kisangani, and even Katanga.”

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in North Kivu remains dire, with thousands fleeing the violence. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is urgently calling for international aid to prevent a full-blown catastrophe.

Without immediate humanitarian intervention, thousands of lives remain at risk as the conflict escalates.