Implications of SAMI-DRC Mission’s Conclusion for Tanzania’s Security Policy

The SADC has announced the termination of the SAMI-DRC mission, which struggled to achieve its peace enforcement goals in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The withdrawal reflects key factors, including troop confinement and the DRC’s military limitations against the M23. The conclusion of the mission marks a moment of humiliation for SADC, leading Tanzania to reconsider its security approaches. Historical precedents suggest that Tanzania will likely adjust its military strategies following this setback.

On March 13, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) decided to terminate the mandate of its Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMI-DRC), which had been tasked with peace enforcement since December 2023. The SAMI-DRC replaced the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which had withdrawn due to disputes over its mandate. The termination announcement did not specify reasons, but two main factors appear to have influenced the decision: the realization that the mission’s objectives were fundamentally unattainable and the DRC’s insufficient military capabilities to counter the M23 rebels effectively.

The conclusion of SAMI-DRC was marked by significant embarrassment, attributed to the coalition’s defeat in combat. After Goma fell in January, there was a media campaign that criticized the SAMI-DRC, highlighting incidents involving South African soldiers and Tanzanian personnel. These reports played a pivotal role in pushing for the mission’s withdrawal, which culminated in its dissolution amidst ongoing humanitarian crises in the region.

Despite facing this setback, SADC has attempted to maintain its image by reaffirming commitments to its Mutual Defence Pact and suggesting the possibility of another peace operation in the future if required. Nevertheless, internal pressures within troop-contributing countries, especially South Africa and Malawi, hindered the sustainability of the mission, calling into question its viability following the retreat.

Historically, Tanzania has recalibrated its security approach following instances of humiliation. Past experiences, such as the army mutiny in 1964 and the conflict with Uganda in 1978, instigated critical military reforms and adjustments in strategy. The recent experiences in DRC through the SAMI-DRC will likely prompt Tanzania to rethink its peace enforcement strategies and reconsider troop deployments that expose its forces to high risk without adequate support.

Tanzania’s historical interventions have underscored the preference for a multilateral approach to regional security, which diminishes suspicions and fosters diplomatic relationships. Furthermore, Tanzania’s involvement in the DRC has been shaped by past setbacks, leading it to focus on economic diplomacy over direct military involvement. The challenges faced by the Congolese movements in the past reiterate Tanzania’s commitment to supporting DRC’s sovereignty while recognizing its own diplomatic and economic priorities.

The contrasts between the SAMI-DRC and its predecessor, the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB), underline the debate surrounding national military pride and efficacy in peacekeeping roles. While South Africa reflects on revitalizing its defense force, Tanzania’s reactions to the SAMI-DRC’s failure will remain notable in shaping its future military and diplomatic strategies.

The termination of the SAMI-DRC mission signifies significant shifts for Tanzania in terms of security policy and regional engagement. Historically influenced by past humiliations, Tanzania is likely to reassess its military strategies and diplomatic engagements, particularly in the context of DRC’s ongoing challenges. The mission’s failure emphasizes the need for internal political stability within contributing nations and underlines the impact of regional cooperation in addressing security issues. As Tanzania pivots towards economic diplomacy, its future role in DRC will reflect a delicate balance between support for regional stability and its own national interests.

Original Source: thechanzo.com