This development follows a decision by SADC heads of state on March 13, 2025, to end the regional peacekeeping mission and initiate a phased withdrawal of South African, Tanzanian, and Malawian troops.
In an interview with SABC News, SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya announced that the technical team was formed during a meeting of defense chiefs from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi on April 11, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.
'On Friday, a meeting of the Chiefs of Defence Forces was held in Dar es Salaam. The meeting resolved to establish a technical team tasked with finalizing the withdrawal of our members from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
'This team is currently busy in Tanzania. While I cannot provide a specific completion date, we have instructed the team to work with speed to ensure our members return home as soon as possible,' he stated.
The withdrawal process faces logistical and diplomatic challenges. Two weeks ago, SADC noted that the reopening of Goma International Airport, controlled by the M23/AFC coalition, was critical for troop departure.
The AFC/M23 rebel group recently on April 12, accused SADC forces of violating a key ceasefire agreement following a failed attempt to retake the eastern Congolese city of Goma and demanded the forces to quit.
'We demand the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC forces and the surrender of FARDC troops stationed within MONUSCO facilities,' M23 said in a statement.
The breach came just weeks after the rebels and SAMIDRC troops signed an agreement on March 28 to facilitate the peaceful withdrawal of regional forces following their defeat and the rebels' takeover of Goma."
Negotiated in Goma, the deal outlined the immediate and orderly withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops, allowing them to leave with their weapons and equipment, while stipulating that any FARDC arms in their possession be left behind.
The accord also included plans for SADC to support the rehabilitation of Goma International Airport and conduct a joint technical assessment to ensure its operational readiness for troop withdrawal.
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that Rwanda has received a request to allow SADC troops to pass through its territory for repatriation.
IGIHE
