By Frank Kamuntu
The security situation in eastern DR Congo has taken a dramatic turn as Congolese rebels, led by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and the March 23 Movement (M23), demand the immediate withdrawal of Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops. The rebels argue that the deployment of regional forces will only deepen the conflict instead of fostering peace.
Rebel Accusations & Political Justifications
In an open letter dated February 8, 2025, AFC leader Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo called SADC’s intervention an “act of interference” in what he termed a “constitutional revolution” against President Félix Tshisekedi’s government. The letter, which challenges the legitimacy of foreign troops in Congo, frames the ongoing crisis as an internal matter rather than a regional security threat.
“The Congolese crisis is primarily political, identity-based, and internal. The solution remains political and must be among the Congolese themselves,” Nangaa emphasized.
Contrary to accusations of foreign backing, the AFC insists that M23 is composed of Congolese nationals resisting what they describe as Tshisekedi’s “tyrannical regime.” The rebels also accused the Congolese government of fueling ethnic tensions and enlisting members of the Rwandan Hutu militia, the Forces de Défense et de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR), to bolster its military ranks.
Regional Summit Fails To Secure Consensus
As tensions escalate, an emergency summit convened by the East African Community (EAC) and SADC in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, sought to address the crisis. However, key stakeholders were notably absent. While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived after the meeting had ended, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi opted to participate remotely, sending his prime minister to attend in person. Meanwhile, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, whose troops are deployed in eastern DR Congo, chose to attend a separate event in New York.
Despite the lack of full participation, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan urged diplomatic engagement, cautioning against an overreliance on military intervention.
“Military solutions alone will not end this conflict. Dialogue must take center stage,” she asserted.
SADC’s Role Under Scrutiny
The AFC has continued to challenge SADC’s role, arguing that the regional bloc’s Mutual Defence Pact justifies military intervention only in the case of an external attack on a member state.
“SADC’s deployment is not about regional security—it is about propping up a government that has lost legitimacy,” Nangaa alleged.
This assertion has gained traction as Malawi recently ordered the withdrawal of its troops, citing concerns that peacekeeping efforts had evolved into open combat with the rebels. South Africa has also hinted at a possible exit, though Ramaphosa remains one of Tshisekedi’s last regional allies.
Amid the diplomatic deadlock, M23 has tightened its grip on eastern Congo, solidifying control over strategic territories. Last week, the rebels announced a new government in Goma and restored basic services such as internet and water, which had been cut off by the central government.
Despite these developments, Kinshasa remains defiant. President Tshisekedi has refused to negotiate with M23, categorizing the group as a “terrorist movement” and vowing not to compromise Congo’s sovereignty.
“We will not compromise with those who seek to destabilize our nation,” Tshisekedi reaffirmed in his video address to the summit.
With diplomatic efforts faltering and the conflict intensifying, the prospect of a peaceful resolution remains uncertain. The rebels’ demands, regional divisions, and continued military engagements signal a prolonged standoff in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
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