The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Monusco, is concluding its 20-year presence, making way for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission led by the South African military.
The deployment of the SADC mission, known as SAMIDRC, comes as a response to the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. Monusco’s drawdown was set to begin after the national elections on December 20, following criticisms of its effectiveness and the East African Community Regional Force’s impact.
SAMIDRC aims to address security concerns, particularly against the M23 rebels allegedly supported by Rwanda. Unlike previous missions, the SADC force is expected to collaborate with local security forces to neutralize long-standing rebel groups in the region.
However, experts emphasize the need for a sizeable force with proper air cover, transport, special forces capabilities, and intelligence. Challenges also arise from the overstretched and underfunded South African National Defence Force, leading the SADC mission. The force faces resource limitations, aging equipment, and difficulties in maintaining operational readiness.
The risks associated with the mission include potential funding shortages, a gap between needed capabilities and provided resources, and the threat of facing an adversary supported by Rwanda. Past strategic failures, such as the South African National Defence Force’s experience in Central African Republic in 2013, serve as cautionary examples.
As the UN mission concludes, the effectiveness of the SADC-led intervention will hinge on overcoming these challenges and ensuring the mission’s success in stabilizing the security situation in the DRC.- The Conversation
