Rwanda Approves Exit Corridor for SADC Troops Leaving Eastern Congo: What This Means for Regional Stability

Rwanda has agreed to provide a safe land passage for troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as they begin a phased withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to diplomatic sources. This move, which allows the regional force to transit through Rwanda en route to Tanzania, comes after SADC officially ended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission, SAMIDRC, in March 2025.

Why Are SADC Troops Leaving the DRC?

The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) was deployed in late 2023 to support Congolese forces in their battle against armed rebel groups, particularly the M23 insurgency in eastern Congo. The conflict—rooted in decades of instability, regional rivalries, and the exploitation of Congo’s vast mineral resources—has escalated since early 2024, leading to significant territorial gains by M23 and increasing regional tensions.

With limited success and growing operational costs, the 16-nation bloc opted to withdraw, signaling a shift in regional peacekeeping strategies.

Rwanda’s Strategic Agreement: A Calculated Move

Despite ongoing accusations by the Congolese government that Rwanda backs the M23 rebels—a charge Kigali denies—Rwanda has taken a pragmatic step by allowing SADC troops and their sealed weapons to pass through its territory. Diplomatic insiders confirm that technical teams are already coordinating the logistics from Tanzania, where the troops are expected to regroup.

This gesture is seen by many analysts as a strategic diplomatic move by Rwanda to balance regional expectations while distancing itself from direct military involvement.

What Does This Mean for Security in the DRC?

The withdrawal of SAMIDRC forces comes at a fragile moment. MONUSCO, the United Nations’ long-running peacekeeping mission, is also drawing down its operations. With both international and regional troops exiting, the DRC could face a major security vacuum—especially as M23 controls key cities like Goma and Bunagana.

The Congolese army is expected to assume full responsibility, though critics question whether national forces have the capacity to contain multiple armed groups without foreign support.

Broader Implications for the Great Lakes Region

The situation reflects a deeper, more complex challenge in the Great Lakes region—balancing sovereignty, security, and regional diplomacy. The decision to route SADC troops through Rwanda suggests a potential thaw in regional communication, even as distrust remains high.

Experts argue that the next steps should involve a multilateral push for long-term peace efforts, economic collaboration, and local governance reforms in the DRC’s eastern provinces.