Can the SAMIDRC escape the fate of previous peace missions?

SADC member states must ensure that the eastern DRC operation can overcome the challenges faced by its predecessors.

Nearly a year after its deployment, prospects for success appear bleak for the Southern African Development Community’s mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). Even with its direct and offensive mandate, the mission could suffer the same fate as previous operations in eastern DRC.

Since 1999, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the East African Community Regional Force and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) have attempted to vain to restore peace.

Instead, in the case of MONUSCO, their efforts are known for human rights. violations and failure to address local concerns in an area plagued by more than 120 violent militias. These include the rebel group M23, which has taken power in eastern DRC since 2012. report in July showed the group was supported by Rwandan and Ugandan troops – a claim both countries deny..

In May 2023, the SADC allowed SAMIDRC to stabilize the region, giving it an offensive mandate to engage in direct combat with armed groups. The mission’s target strength was 5,000 troops from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania, but only 1,300 were deployed.

The SAMIDRC’s financing arrangements reveal both the ambition and the constraints of regional peacekeeping initiatives in Africa. The annual costs of the mission were estimated to $500 million, with South Africa committing $100 million and the DRC $200 million. Although this demonstrates regional ownership, the considerable funding gap makes success difficult.

The SAMIDRC’s target strength was 5,000 troops from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania, but only 1,300 were deployed.

To support the SAMIDRC, the United Nations Security Council authorized a partnership with MONUSCO on operations, intelligence sharing and technical collaboration. SAMIDRC can utilize MONUSCO’s well-established infrastructure, including vital logistical and military capabilities, including air assets enabling medical evacuations.

Despite this support, SAMIDRC – like previous missions – has not made sufficient progress in stabilizing the region.

SAMIDRC rules of engagement provide the necessary balance between offensive and defensive actions and the protection of civilians. However, lack of funding and lack of troops and equipment hamper operations, as happened with MONUSCO and the East African force. As a result, the SAMIDRC has difficulty identifying and responding to immediate threats (with the integration of armed groups into civilian areas) and reconquering territory.

On the other hand, the M23 took control of strategic sites such as Masisi and Rutshuru, displacing many civilians. Rebel groups have also violated human rights violations including killings, sexual violence and looting, with women and children most affected.

The violent conflict has displaced more than two million people internally in the first half of 2024 alone, according to the Internal Displacement Observatory. reports. According to Human Rights Watch, Rwandan forces fighting alongside M23 to have “indiscriminately bombed displaced persons camps” around Goma throughout 2024. These disastrous violations include more than 1,800 children recruited by rebel groups over the past year.

Concerns about the SAMIDRC’s capabilities are compounded by questions about its legitimacy. SADC has been branded “reckless” for deploying troops in the face of serious capacity problems. Although it is difficult to obtain precise figures, the mission has already cost the lives of more than 15 soldiers and others captured by M23 rebels this year.

Concerns about SAMIDRC’s capabilities are compounded by questions about its legitimacy

Rwanda opposite the lack of consultation in the deployment of force. He called on the African Union to suspend its support for the SAMIDRC, arguing that its presence would risk escalating tensions in the conflict.

At a September workshop organized by the Institute for Security Studies, local civil society groups and communities in eastern DRC also questioned the SAMIDRC’s ability to manage the complex dynamics of the conflict.

“For the population of Goma, there is also the problem of the multiplicity of all these regional forces deployed on Congolese soil,” said a participant in the workshop. “People are wondering how many more foreign armies will be in the country. This discredits confidence in the… FARDC. Many reject the increased presence of foreign armies.

Allegations of sexual misconduct also erode the credibility of the mission. Recent reports suggest that SAMIDRC personnel impregnated women in the area, claiming soldiers paid “divorce fees” to avoid prosecution or punishment. These reports follow a historicalry of sexual exploitation and misconduct by peacekeepers in the country, and show that security has not been linked to sustainable humanitarian and development initiatives.

The conflict reflects a complex web of competing interests over the country’s resources, involving a wide range of armed groups and national and regional actors. This makes SAMIDRC’s task difficult, as it has been with MONUSCO and other missions.

SADC Member States have failed to ensure full deployment of the force and address its structural challenges

In the case of the SAMIDRC, SADC member states have failed to ensure the full deployment of the force and address its structural challenges. MONUSCO’s support is not enough to compensate for insufficient finances, infrastructure and personnel – without which the force has little chance of success against well-armed rebel groups and Rwandan troops.

To address some of these issues, SAMIDRC deployed a mission training team to ensure force interoperability during joint operations with the DRC army. Although SAMIDRC serves as a coordination center, success depends on all actors working with MONUSCO, local communities and civil society organizations.

Without urgently addressing its problems, SAMIDRC will likely join the list of failed interventions in eastern DRC. The force must be strengthened to the targeted total strength, and SADC and its member countries must ensure adequate resources, equipment and training. This will require dialogue and a remobilization of support for the mission.

It is also worth considering whether the mandate of the SAMIDRC should include humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts.

On the ground, SAMIDRC leaders must ensure respect for justice and accountability mechanisms in matters of misconduct and sexual exploitation of vulnerable groups. The mission should work with local governments, civil society actors and communities to understand their concerns while fostering cooperation.

Exclusive rights to republish articles from ISS Today have been granted to Daily Maverick in South Africa and Premium hours in Nigeria. For media outlets based outside of South Africa and Nigeria who wish to republish articles, or for any questions regarding our republishing policy, please email us.