South Africa to withdraw troops from DRC in phased MONUSCO pullout

By The Inspirer.

South Africa has announced plans to withdraw its troops from the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), citing the need to refocus and reorganise the country’s military resources.

President Cyril Ramaphosa informed UN Secretary-General António Guterres of the decision last month, according to a statement from the South African Presidency. The phased withdrawal is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.

South Africa currently contributes 757 troops to MONUSCO, making it the sixth-largest contributor among the mission’s top ten troop-sending countries. The announcement comes as MONUSCO itself is gradually scaling down its operations, following requests from the DRC government and UN security assessments.

The move marks a significant shift in peacekeeping strategy. Analysts say it reflects a growing emphasis on locally led security, encouraging host nations to take the lead in maintaining peace while the UN mission supports as needed.

Earlier in 2024, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with South African forces at the forefront, deployed thousands of troops to assist the Congolese army in combatting the M23 armed group. During those operations, 14 South African soldiers were killed, mostly defending the city of Goma. Two months after M23 captured Goma, SADC forces withdrew from the DRC via Rwanda.

MONUSCO, launched in 2010, currently deploys about 11,000 military personnel and police to restore security in eastern DRC. In December 2025, the UN Security Council extended its mandate for an additional year.

Despite the withdrawal, South African officials emphasise that coordination with MONUSCO will ensure a smooth, staged exit, minimising any security gaps in regions where their troops have been deployed.