South Africa withdrawing more than 700 troops from UN mission in Democratic Republic of Congo

South Africa has decided to withdraw its troop contribution to the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), ending nearly three decades of involvement in UN peacekeeping operations in the country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of the South African government’s decision, which was conveyed during a telephone conversation on 12 January 2026.

South Africa ranks among the top 10 troop-contributing countries to MONUSCO, with a force presence of over 700 soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo in support of the mission’s peacekeeping mandate, according to the Presidency in Pretoria.

Full story at IOL

By Jonisayi Maromo