In a move marking the culmination of nearly three decades of peacekeeping involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of South Africa has formally announced its intention to withdraw its troops from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The decision, communicated to UN Secretary General António Guterres during a telephone discussion on 12 January, was confirmed in an official statement released by the South African Presidency.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) currently contributes approximately 700 troops to MONUSCO, which has been operational since 1999. The mission was initially established by the UN Security Council to support the implementation of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement and has since evolved to address a broad mandate, including the protection of civilians under imminent threat, support for humanitarian actors and the defence of human rights defenders. In recent years, MONUSCO has faced increasing calls for transition, both locally and internationally, amid evolving security dynamics and the need for more locally driven peacebuilding mechanisms.
South Africa’s planned drawdown is expected to conclude by the end of 2026 and will be conducted in coordination with the United Nations to ensure that the process unfolds in an orderly and responsible manner. This approach reflects Pretoria’s continued commitment to the principles of peacekeeping and multilateral cooperation. The statement from the Presidency emphasised that the decision follows a comprehensive reassessment of South Africa’s peacekeeping obligations, resource allocation and national security priorities.
South Africa has been an enduring presence in the DRC peacekeeping landscape, contributing to regional stability through its involvement in MONUSCO for 27 years. The country’s peacekeeping engagements have historically been framed not only within the United Nations but also through African-led frameworks, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union. This multi-layered approach reflects a Pan African understanding of conflict resolution, recognising the necessity of local ownership in peace processes while valuing regional and continental solidarity.
The Presidency reiterated that South Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to the peace, development and sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pretoria has expressed its intention to deepen bilateral relations with the Congolese government and to continue playing a constructive role in peace efforts through diplomatic and multilateral mechanisms. This includes sustained involvement in AU and SADC peace and security initiatives and continued cooperation with the United Nations in non-military capacities.
This strategic recalibration does not signify a withdrawal from regional responsibilities but rather an evolution in approach, focusing on diplomacy, institution building and long term stabilisation. In an era where the utility and structure of traditional peacekeeping missions are being questioned, South Africa’s decision may reflect broader shifts on the continent. Increasingly, African nations are advocating for peace operations that centre local agency, socio economic rebuilding and historical accountability rather than externally defined interventions.
MONUSCO itself has faced criticism and resistance from local communities in the DRC, particularly in the eastern provinces where the presence of armed groups persists despite long standing peacekeeping operations. The drawdown of South African troops, alongside broader MONUSCO transition plans, may pave the way for alternative models of peace support grounded in regional frameworks and more context sensitive engagement.
As the African continent continues to shape its own security architecture, South Africa’s recalibrated posture offers insight into a future where states balance sovereign responsibility with collective African solidarity. The nature of peacekeeping is evolving and with it, the need to design approaches that not only address immediate insecurity but also invest in long term peace and justice rooted in African realities.
