Faith Nyasuguta
South Africa has announced plans to bring home its soldiers from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, drawing the curtain on a deployment that has stretched across nearly three decades. The withdrawal, scheduled to be completed before the end of 2026, marks a significant shift in Pretoria’s military priorities as the government redirects resources toward domestic needs.
For 27 years, South African forces have been part of the UN’s stabilisation efforts in Congo, contributing personnel and logistical support to one of the organisation’s longest-running and most complex missions. At present, more than 700 South African troops remain on the ground, working alongside other international contingents in a region troubled by armed groups, ethnic tensions and competition over mineral-rich territory.
Officials say the decision to disengage is rooted in strategy rather than retreat. President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that South Africa intends to “realign” its defence capabilities, allowing the armed forces to focus more directly on national responsibilities, including border protection and internal security demands.
According to a government statement, Pretoria will coordinate closely with the United Nations to determine the timeline and operational details of the pullout. “South Africa will work jointly with the U.N. to finalise the timelines and other modalities of the withdrawal, which will be completed before the end of 2026,” the statement said.
The move also comes amid growing domestic scrutiny over the welfare of soldiers. Critics have raised concerns about the conditions faced by troops both abroad and at home, pointing to reported shortages of food supplies, inadequate equipment and limited medical support in some deployments. These issues have fuelled debate about whether the country can sustain lengthy foreign missions while addressing pressing needs within its own ranks.
South Africa’s exit coincides with a broader scaling back of international peacekeeping involvement in Congo. Over the years, the UN mission has faced mounting challenges as rebel groups continue to operate across eastern provinces. Despite diplomatic initiatives led by global and regional actors, insecurity persists.
Earlier this year, UN experts warned that the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement was consolidating its influence in parts of eastern Congo, deepening fears of further instability. The group has reportedly sought to entrench its control and establish semi-autonomous governance structures, complicating peace efforts.
Even as troops prepare to leave, Pretoria has stressed that its relationship with Kinshasa will not end. South Africa says it will maintain strong bilateral ties with the Congolese government and continue supporting diplomatic and multilateral initiatives aimed at fostering long-term stability.
The decision signals the end of a long chapter in South Africa’s international peacekeeping role -and the beginning of a renewed focus on strengthening its forces at home while seeking other ways to contribute to peace on the continent.
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