The SADC has terminated the SAMI-DRC mission due to its ineffectiveness against the M23 rebels. The decision reflects a broader crisis in the DRC and suggests shifts in Tanzania’s security policy, emphasizing lessons learned from past military involvements.
On March 13, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced the termination of the Southern African Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMI-DRC). Deployed in December 2023 to enforce peace, SAMI-DRC replaced the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which withdrew last year due to a mandate dispute. The termination lacked a clear cause but was influenced by the mission’s limited effectiveness and the DRC’s inability to combat M23 rebel advances.
The end of SAMI-DRC presents significant implications for Tanzania’s security policy, highlighting the impact of humiliation on military interventions. Lessons from past involvements stress the need for a multilateral approach while also reflecting on regional influences. Increased focus on domestic strengths and economic diplomacy will shape Tanzania’s future engagements in the DRC and beyond.
Original Source: thechanzo.com
