The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has dismissed allegations that its forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are engaged in joint military operations with government-aligned troops to reclaim territories in the country’s conflict-ridden eastern region.
The claims, made by the M23 rebel group in a communiqué dated 12 April, were described by SADC as “inaccurate and misleading.”
In a statement released on Monday, SADC refuted assertions that the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) had participated in operations alongside the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and the Wazalendo militia in Goma.
“SADC firmly refutes these allegations. SAMIDRC has not participated in any joint operations as claimed,” the regional bloc said in a statement on Monday.
It reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.
Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for decades, with multiple armed groups – including M23 – vying for control of the mineral-rich territory.
The unrest has displaced millions and exacerbated humanitarian crises in the region.
M23, which briefly captured Goma in 2012, has resurged in recent years, intensifying clashes and prompting calls for greater international intervention.
SADC deployed SAMIDRC in December 2023 as part of broader efforts to stabilize the region, focusing on supporting peace processes and bolstering security in coordination with Congolese authorities.
The bloc emphasized on Monday that SAMIDRC operates under strict mandates set by SADC heads of state and government, with the current mission prioritizing a phased withdrawal in alignment with directives issued during last month’s summit of regional leaders.
It called on all parties to act responsibly and refrain from spreading misinformation and urged collective action to de-escalate tensions and restore stability to the region.
