The Implications of the Termination of SAMI-DRC for Tanzania

SADC has concluded the SAMI-DRC mission, initiated in December 2023, after determining that its goals were unattainable amid ongoing military conflicts. The decision was influenced by the difficulties faced by the mission and the DRC’s lack of effective defense forces. Tanzania, having previously adjusted its military strategies in response to humiliation, is expected to reevaluate its peace enforcement approach following the end of SAMI-DRC.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened on March 13, 2025, to conclude the mandate of its Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMI-DRC). This mission, which had commenced in December 2023 with a peace enforcement directive, succeeded the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which had withdrawn due to mandate-related disputes after only a year of deployment.

The termination announcement did not explicitly explain the reasons behind the decision, yet two prevailing factors seem pertinent. Firstly, the mission faced insurmountable challenges due to the encirclement of its troops in numerous bases. Secondly, the DRC’s lack of an effective fighting force capable of marginally reversing gains made by the M23 rebels significantly hindered operational progress.

The defeat of SAMI-DRC has undoubtedly marked a significant setback for the coalition involved, compounded by a campaign amplifying their humiliation. This included sensational reports about South African soldiers, images of SADC troops surrendering, and a viral video purportedly showing a Tanzanian military officer emptying his pockets before potentially crossing the border. Such portrayals contributed to the mission’s eventual withdrawal.

In the wake of these events, SADC has publicly reiterated its commitment to the Mutual Defence Pact and has suggested the possibility of another peace enforcement operation in DRC if necessary. However, this commitment does little to alleviate the tarnished reputation now attached to a mission that withdrew amid a persistent humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, internal struggles within the Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) also led to a lack of sustainability for the mission, as evidenced by South Africa’s withdrawal under domestic pressure and Malawi’s subsequent announcement post-Goma’s fall.

Historically, Tanzania has shown resilience in the face of humiliation, adjusting its security policies accordingly. Previous incidents, such as the January 1964 mutiny and the Kagera conflict in 1978, prompted significant military reforms. The recent SAMI-DRC debacle will likely induce a reconceptualization of Tanzania’s approach to regional peace enforcement given the risks associated with inadequate troop deployments and insufficient equipment.

Tanzania’s experience from the costly 1980-2000 intervention in Uganda highlighted the benefits of multilateral strategies for regional security resolutions, which are often more cost-effective and less likely to yield diplomatic estrangements. The lessons from Uganda continue to inform Tanzania’s interventions today. In the past, while seeking to support Congolese political movements, challenges stemming from indiscipline and internal politics hindered progress toward establishing a cohesive political framework within DRC.

As Tanzania navigates its future approach, the contrast between the failures of SAMI-DRC and the prior successes of the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) will likely persist. The recent setbacks may add pressure for Tanzania to reassess and enhance its defense readiness, although the discourse on military revitalization continues to be less prominent in Tanzania compared to South Africa. The implications of these events will be keenly observed within Dar es Salaam as the nation contemplates its regional role.

The conclusion of the SAMI-DRC mission marks a critical point in Tanzania’s regional engagements, showcasing the impact of humiliation on national security policy. Historically, such experiences have prompted significant military reforms in Tanzania. The nation is likely to reassess its approach to peace enforcement operations, drawing lessons that emphasize the need for robust multilateral strategies while considering its geopolitical interests and the evolving political landscape within the DRC. Tanzania’s response will redefine its regional involvement in addressing security challenges, highlighting the potential need for a more resilient military posture moving forward.

Original Source: thechanzo.com