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To secure safe exit, SADC forces make concessions to M23 in Congo 

2025-03-20T203623Z_1008834403_RC2IGDA208Y3_RTRMADP_3_CONGO-SECURITY-AIRPORT

Abandoned Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that belonged to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) is seen at Goma airport after the town was seized by the M23 rebels, in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, March 19, 2025. 

Photo credit: Reuters
Patrick Ilunga

By  Patrick Ilunga

Contributor

Nation Media Group

Stranded Southern African Community troops in Congo have made concessions to M23 rebels, promising to help repair a damaged airport in Goma.

It was one of a series of pledges made by the force, known as SAMIDRC, on Friday after a meeting with the M23, who have besieged key airports and towns in North and South Kivu in eastern Congo.

The details emerged after defence chiefs from troop-contributing countries under SAMIDRC met with AFC/M23 leaders on Friday to discuss the withdrawal of troops whose mission was suspended by SADC in March. 

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Under commitments made with the AFC/M23, which has been in control of Goma and part of North Kivu since early February this year, SADC will "assist in the rehabilitation of Goma International Airport to facilitate the withdrawal of the SAMIDRC". According to the joint communiqué following the meeting, "the two parties will facilitate the assessment by the joint technical team of the state of the Goma international airport with a view to its reopening".

Goma airport has not been operational since the end of January this year, following fierce fighting in which the AFC/M23 seized the city of Goma. SAMIDRC, which was deployed in the DRC in December 2023, is turning around after a mission in which nearly 20 of its soldiers were killed. The mission is now organising its departure from Congo under the aegis of the AFC/M23.

The joint communiqué from Friday's meeting states that "the AFC/M23 must coordinate the freedom of movement of the SAMIDRC in order to prepare for the withdrawal in accordance with the agreed principles".

The AFC/M23 must also "facilitate the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops with their weapons and equipment". The AFC/M23 orders the SAMIDRC to leave behind all FARDC (Congolese army) weapons and equipment in their possession".

The two parties agreed to a ceasefire and a cessation of hostilities.

The AFC/M23 and the SAMIDRC undertook to meet again at a place and on dates to be agreed.