South Africa To Withdraw Over 700 Troops From UN Mission In DR Congo By End Of 2026

South Africa has announced plans to pull more than 700 of its soldiers out of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), bringing to a close almost three decades of peacekeeping involvement in the country.

The decision was communicated by President Cyril Ramaphosa to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a telephone call on 12 January 2026, marking a significant shift in South Africa’s long-standing role in the UN mission.

According to the Presidency in Pretoria, SA is currently among the top 10 contributors of troops to MONUSCO, with over 700 soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo in support of the mission’s peacekeeping mandate.

South Africa Ends Longstanding UN Peacekeeping Role in DR Congo

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the move was driven by “the need to consolidate and realign the resources of the South African National Defence Force, following twenty-seven years of South Africa’s support to UN peacekeeping efforts in the DRC”.

MONUSCO was first authorised by the UN Security Council in 1999 to support the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement.

Over the years, the mission has adapted to ongoing instability, with a mandate focused on protecting civilians, humanitarian workers and human rights defenders facing imminent physical threats, while also assisting the Congolese government with stabilisation and peace consolidation.

Withdrawal Timeline and Continued Regional Engagement

Magwenya confirmed that South Africa would work closely with the United Nations to agree on withdrawal timelines and other practical arrangements. The process is expected to be concluded before the end of 2026.

He added that President Ramaphosa had welcomed the appreciation conveyed by the UN Secretary-General in response to South Africa’s decision.

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Despite the drawdown from MONUSCO, the South African government said it would continue to maintain strong bilateral ties with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Pretoria also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting multilateral peace initiatives led by the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and the United Nations, all aimed at securing lasting peace in the country.