Over 260 SADC military trucks exit DRCongo through Rwanda

A total of 263 trucks loaded with weapons and military equipment previously deployed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have now passed through Rwandan territory as part of a withdrawal operation.

SADC had sent troops and equipment to eastern DRC to support the Congolese government forces in their battle against M23 rebels.

On Monday, June 2, a new batch of 15 trucks carrying tanks and long-range artillery systems, specifically MB-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, left the DRC.

These weapons were escorted by 18 SADC soldiers stationed at the organization’s two bases — one in Goma and the other in Mubambiro.

The repatriation process began in late April, following Rwanda’s authorization for the convoys to transit through its territory en route to Chato, Tanzania. The withdrawal operation is still ongoing.

SADC decided to pull out its forces and equipment after the organization’s heads of state resolved to end the mission, which involved troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania.

The decision came after SADC forces, along with FARDC, FDLR, Wazalendo militias, and foreign mercenaries, suffered defeats in battles that culminated in M23 capturing the city of Goma in late January of this year.

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