Johannesburg, South Africa — South Africa to Withdraw Troops from UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo. South Africa has announced its intention to withdraw its troops from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a decision set to be finalized by the end of 2026.

The withdrawal, which has been in the works for some time, is part of a strategic realignment of the country’s military resources to address domestic priorities.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been contributing troops to the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) for 27 years, with over 700 soldiers currently deployed.

The withdrawal is a significant move for the country, reflecting a shift in its international military commitments.

According to official statements, the decision to withdraw is driven by the need to consolidate and realign the resources of the SANDF.

This realignment is in response to the challenges faced by South African soldiers on duty, including shortages of provisions and medical care. These conditions have been highlighted as factors contributing to the decision to withdraw.

MONUSCO, established in 1999, has been instrumental in stabilizing the region after the Second Congo War.

South Africa’s involvement in the mission has been a demonstration of its commitment to regional peace and security.

However, the DRC remains one of the most conflict — affected countries in the world, with various armed groups operating in the eastern part of the country.

The withdrawal could potentially leave a vacuum that armed groups could exploit, potentially increasing the risk of conflict and instability in the DRC.

Critics may argue that this move could undermine the efforts of the international community to maintain peace in the region.

The presidency of South Africa has emphasized that the withdrawal will not diminish the country’s commitment to multilateral efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace to the DRC. South Africa will continue to support regional initiatives by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and the UN.

The South African government has informed the UN Secretary — General of its decision and is working with the UN to finalize the withdrawal plan, including timelines and other key details. Further details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Source: Africa.

*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*