The SADC has ended SAMI-DRC’s mission in the DRC, citing unattainable objectives and troop vulnerabilities. The withdrawal reflects both humiliation for participating nations and a critical juncture for Tanzania’s security policy, pushing it to reconsider its approach to peace enforcement amid ongoing economic priorities.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) concluded a meeting on March 13, 2025, where it decided to end the mandate of its Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMI-DRC). Deployed in December 2023 to enforce peace, SAMI-DRC replaced the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which had withdrawn due to mandate disputes. The termination of SAMI-DRC was influenced by the untenable conditions surrounding its troops and the DRC’s inability to mount a fighting force against the M23 rebels.
The withdrawal of SAMI-DRC marks a significant setback, characterized by media coverage ridiculing its forces. Incidents such as South African soldiers raising a white flag and a Tanzanian officer’s video went viral, compounding the organization’s humiliation. In response to internal and external pressures, SADC reiterated its commitment to its Mutual Defence Pact, indicating a willingness to initiate another operation if necessary, although the humanitarian crisis persists in the DRC.
Historically, humiliation has prompted Tanzania to reassess its security policies. For example, the army mutiny in 1964 led to the formation of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF). Furthermore, the costly intervention in Uganda during the 1980s taught Tanzania valuable lessons regarding regional operations, emphasizing multilateralism and the need for local stability.
Tanzania’s limited military engagement in Mozambique and the DRC has revealed vulnerabilities within the TPDF that require reevaluation. The outcomes of SAMI-DRC prompt concerns regarding Tanzania’s future peace enforcement endeavors. Despite offering support for the DRC’s sovereignty, Tanzania is increasingly prioritizing economic diplomacy, which may limit its operational contributions.
The failure of SAMI-DRC stands in stark contrast to the earlier successes of the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB). While discussions regarding the revitalization of South Africa’s defense forces are ongoing, Tanzania faces a critical juncture to reconsider its approach to regional conflicts following the embarrassment of SAMI-DRC’s withdrawal.
In summary, the termination of SAMI-DRC’s mission raises critical questions about Tanzania’s future role in regional peace enforcement operations. The historical context of past humiliations suggests that Tanzania may shift its security strategies in response. The interplay between regional stability and economic priorities will likely shape Tanzania’s motivations in future interventions, ensuring that lessons learned from SAMI-DRC guide its diplomatic and military actions moving forward.
Original Source: thechanzo.com
