South Africa announces withdrawal of troops from Congo, plans to increase force to 700 personnel by the end of 2026

SmartContractPhobia · 2026-02-22T08:00:45+00:00

South Africa plans to gradually withdraw about 700 troops from the UN stabilization mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by the end of 2026. This decision is part of a reorganization of the South African National Defense Force, emphasizing resource optimization and a strategic approach while maintaining support for peace and stability in the region.

SmartContractPhobia

2026-02-22 08:00:45

Abstract generation in progress

The South African government has announced that it will gradually withdraw approximately 700 personnel from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) by the end of 2026. This decision was formally communicated to UN Secretary-General António Guterres by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and is part of a broader restructuring of the South African National Defence Force.

The withdrawal plan is driven by the need to optimize resources and integrate functions within the South African National Defence Force. To deploy limited forces more strategically, the country intends to gradually reduce its existing presence in Congo. This marks a significant shift in South Africa’s defense strategy, based on a reassessment of both domestic and international defense postures.

However, despite the troop withdrawal, South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace, stability, and economic development in the Congo region. Moving forward, South Africa plans to maintain strong relations with the Congolese government and participate in regional peacebuilding and stabilization efforts through international frameworks such as the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the United Nations.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

2 Likes