Rwanda is set to permit Southern Africa troops in Congo to transit through to Tanzania, according to diplomatic sources

Rwanda has consented to permit troops from the Southern Africa bloc, assigned to combat rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, to withdraw from the rebel-controlled city of Goma via its territory to Tanzania, according to three diplomatic sources on Friday.

In mid-March, the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced the termination of its mandate and the initiation of a phased withdrawal of its force, referred to as SAMIDRC, from Congo.

Three diplomats, familiar with the current discussions between Rwanda and SADC, have confirmed that Rwanda has agreed to a request for the force’s troops to transit through the country by land.

Two diplomats noted that they have received information indicating that the weapons of the regional force will be secured for safety reasons but will depart Rwandan territory alongside the troops.

No immediate response was received from SADC or from representatives of the Congolese and Rwandan governments when inquiries for comment were made.

General Rudzani Maphwanya, the leader of the South African National Defence Force, stated on South African Broadcasting Corporation television on Thursday that a technical team was in Tanzania addressing the finer details of their troop withdrawal.

SAMIDRC was deployed to support Kinshasa in its efforts to combat rebel groups in the war-torn eastern borderlands of Congo in December 2023.

M23 has taken control of the two largest cities in eastern Congo since January, marking a significant escalation in a prolonged conflict that stems from the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the competition for Congo’s abundant mineral resources.