African-led peacekeeping missions are in crisis, with the end of a SADC mandate in the DRC marking the latest chapter in the decline of these efforts. Can African leaders come together to address the challenges facing conflict-torn regions?
On March 13, leaders of the SADC regional bloc signaled the end of its peacekeeping mandate in the ‘Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’ following the killing of more than a dozen peacekeepers by M23 rebels in January. This decision marks the latest chapter in the decline of African-led peacekeeping missions across the continent.
According to Chimwemwe Tsitsi, a Malawi-based international relations expert, there may be a need to rethink the rules of engagement with regard to peacekeepers. ‘Perhaps the change in approach from that of non-interference to a new one … might also be another reason why the peacekeepers have been fighting some armed groups of late,’ he said.
The SAMIDRC fatalities dominated news headlines in southern Africa, sparking broad public opposition. Malawi was the first to announce a halt to its deployment to Congo in early February, with its president instructing the Malawi Defence Force commander to begin preparing to withdraw. South Africa deployed additional troops and military equipment to Congo despite an outcry from the public and trade unions over the killing of soldiers.
The steady decline of funding for peacekeeping missions is a major concern. In 2014, the UN spent around $6.4 billion on peacekeeping, but by 2024, this had decreased to around $2.7 billion. ‘Generally there has been a steady decline of funding for peacekeeping missions,’ said Tsitsi.
While some African-led missions have shown promise, such as the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau, others have struggled. The SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) is still active, but its success is uncertain.
Some conflict-torn parts of Africa are particularly neglected, Tsitsi warned. ‘I think Sudan is somehow neglected, especially the current conflct in Sudan … we haven’t seen any intervention from the United Nations or African Union.’
Located in northeastern Africa, Sudan is a country with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations.
The Nile River runs through its territory, making it an essential hub for agriculture and trade.
Sudan's diverse geography ranges from deserts to savannas, supporting a wide variety of wildlife.
The country has a complex history, having been a British colony until gaining independence in 1956.
Today, Sudan is working towards rebuilding after decades of conflict, with a focus on economic development and regional cooperation.
The decline of African-led peacekeeping missions across the continent is a pressing concern. As the situation in DRC and other conflict zones continues to escalate, it remains to be seen whether African leaders can come together to address these challenges.
