After peacekeeping fails, SADC bets on political solution to Congo war

Sadc soldiers are seen on a vehicle in Sake, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on February 11, 2024. 

Photo credit: Xinhua

Southern African leaders have subtly endorsed a political solution to the Congo conflict, terminating a military mission they had deployed there more than a year ago.

The decision means troops in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which was deployed in December 2023, will begin a phased withdrawal.