NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 14 — The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has denied accusations made by the March 23 Movement (M23) that its forces are collaborating with Congolese and foreign militias in military operations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement released on Monday, SADC described the allegations as “both inaccurate and misleading,” asserting that its peacekeeping mission, the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), has not participated in any joint operations with the Congolese military or militia groups.
“SAMIDRC has not participated in any joint operations as claimed,” the statement read. “These assertions are both inaccurate and misleading.”
The allegations, made in a communiqué dated April 12 by the M23 group, claimed that SADC forces had aligned themselves with the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and the Wazalendo militia to carry out coordinated military actions in Goma.
SADC’s firm rebuttal comes amid a sensitive period of regional diplomacy and military recalibration.
Ongoing withdrawal
The regional bloc emphasized that SAMIDRC is currently withdrawing from the DRC in line with a directive from the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.
“SAMIDRC is currently implementing a structured and coordinated withdrawal from the DRC,” the Secretariat affirmed.
The SADC also reaffirmed its commitment to an agreement reached on March 28, 2025, in Goma during a consultative meeting with M23 representatives.
“The Organisation remains dedicated to supporting peaceful and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting stability in the eastern DRC.”
The Secretariat called on all parties to act responsibly, refrain from spreading misinformation, and contribute to de-escalation and the restoration of peace in the conflict-affected region.
“The SADC Secretariat urges all parties to act responsibly, refrain from the spread of misinformation, and work collectively toward de-escalation and the restoration of peace in the region,” SADC said.
