The Southern African Development Community (SADC) categorically refutes the allegations published by News24 on May 18, 2025, which suggest that SADC has abandoned its troops deployed in Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The report alleges that efforts to transport South African soldiers, including the provision of buses, were ineffective. These allegations were not even confirmed with SADC before being published. These allegations are unfounded and misleading and do not reflect the real situation on the ground.

SADC makes it abundantly clear that all operational and logistical arrangements for the deployment and phased withdrawal of troops within the framework of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) are taking place in accordance with the established withdrawal plan, jointly agreed by all parties concerned.

The SAMIDRC Force Commander oversees and coordinates the withdrawal process to ensure that it is conducted in an orderly, safe and timely manner and in full compliance with SADC protocols and international standards.

SADC remains firmly committed to promoting peace, security and stability in the region. The Community continues to support the ongoing diplomatic and political efforts to achieve a sustainable solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.

We call on all media outlets to be responsible in their reports and to check the facts before publishing statements that could compromising the integrity of regional peace initiatives. (Communiqué)