South Africa has announced plans to withdraw its troops from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking the end of a military deployment that has lasted more than two decades.
The decision involves the gradual pullout of about 700 South African soldiers currently serving under the UN mission, MONUSCO. Pretoria has indicated that the withdrawal will be carried out in phases and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Government officials say the move is part of a broader review of South Africa’s international military commitments and a shift toward reallocating resources to domestic and regional priorities.
South African forces have been deployed in the DRC since the late 1990s, playing roles that ranged from peacekeeping and civilian protection to more robust combat operations against armed groups in the country’s volatile eastern regions. Over the years, the mission has faced growing challenges, including persistent rebel violence, political sensitivities, and increasing criticism within the DRC over the presence of foreign troops.
Despite the withdrawal, South Africa has emphasized that it is not abandoning peace efforts in the DRC. Officials say the country will continue to support diplomatic initiatives, regional mediation through African-led mechanisms, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
The announcement comes amid broader changes to the UN peacekeeping footprint in the DRC, as MONUSCO itself has been scaling down following requests from the Congolese government. Analysts say South Africa’s exit reflects a wider continental debate on the cost, effectiveness, and future shape of peacekeeping missions in Africa.