Johannesburg, February 08 (QNA) - South Africa announced its intention to withdraw its approximately 700 troops from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
A statement issued by the South African Presidency said that President Cyril Ramaphosa informed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of the government's decision to withdraw its military contribution to MONUSCO, a move influenced by the need to consolidate and reorganize the resources of the South African National Defence Force, after nearly 27 years of participation in peacekeeping efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The statement explained that the withdrawal process is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2026.
This decision comes amid escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo since the beginning of 2025, with the March 23 Movement expanding its control over large areas of land and a number of major cities. (QNA)