The first group, consisting of 57 soldiers and 13 military vehicles, departed eastern DRC on April 29, 2025, to prepare for the remaining forces’ withdrawal.

The second group left Rubavu, at the Rwanda-DRC border, on May 4, 2025, with a convoy of approximately 34 vehicles, mostly carrying military equipment, observed by IGIHE. The first truck, loaded with SADC military equipment, reached Mahoko around 19:20 p.m.

South African Army Chief Gen Rudzani Maphwanya, speaking to the press on May 4, 2025, confirmed that the first group had arrived at the Tanzania assembly point.

He noted that all SADC troops exiting the DRC will travel by land through Rwanda to Tanzania, a journey initially expected to be lengthy but now achievable in one day.

Gen Maphwanya expressed satisfaction with the troops’ conduct during their deployment in eastern DRC and stated that the withdrawal would be completed by the end of May 2025.

However, critics have highlighted that the mission faced challenges, with troops confined to bases guarded by the M23 rebel group—whom they were intended to confront—for nearly four months.

Upon reaching Tanzania, troops will be repatriated. South Africa plans to airlift its soldiers while shipping equipment by sea. Tanzanian troops will return to local bases, and Malawi is yet to confirm its repatriation method.

The second group left Rubavu, at the Rwanda-DRC border, on May 4, 2025, with a convoy of approximately 34 vehicles, mostly carrying military equipment.

The first truck, loaded with SADC military equipment, reached Mahoko around 19:20 p.m.

The withdrawal of SADC troops is expected to be concluded by the end May 2025.