SADC (strategy)

• The Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC is a regional peacekeeping initiative launched in December 2023 to address escalating conflicts in eastern DRC
• This initiative had deployed 2,900 troops from South Africa, and 2,100 from Tanzania and Malawi to support Congolese forces in combating rebel groups
• The main aim of this mission is to support the Congolese army in combating armed groups in the east of Congo that disrupt peace and security, thereby contributing to regional stability
• The initiative is estimated to cost around $500 million annually, but with South Africa contributing $100 million, and the DRC $200 million, there is a significant funding gap with hampers the operations effectiveness
• SADC has provided protection for 100,000 displaced civilians ensuring they have access to humanitarian aid
• They have provided humanitarian aid to 500,000 people whilst incapacitating 250 enemy combatants
• In controlled areas, SADC have noted a 30% reduction in violent incidents compared to previous months
• However, this initiative has led to the death of 7 soldiers since the initial deployment, 5 of whom were involved in mortar attacks from rebel groups