UN Pledges Smooth DR Congo Transition After SA Exit

South Africa to withdraw its peacekeepers from the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo after over 27 years of support.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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South Africa has announced it will withdraw its peacekeepers from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), citing the need to consolidate and realign its national defense resources. The UN has expressed deep gratitude for South Africa's longstanding commitment and sacrifice, and pledged to work closely with stakeholders to ensure a safe and orderly transition as the peacekeeping mission continues its mandate to protect civilians and help stabilize the country.

Why it matters

South Africa has been one of the top contributors of troops to the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, which has been in place since 2010 to help stabilize the country after years of conflict. The withdrawal of South African forces is a significant development that could impact the mission's operations and the broader security situation in the region.

The details

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa will withdraw its over 700 peacekeepers deployed with MONUSCO, citing the need to consolidate and realign the resources of the South African National Defence Force. MONUSCO has expressed deep gratitude for South Africa's steadfast commitment and sacrifice, and pledged to work closely with the UN and stakeholders to ensure a safe and orderly transition as the mission continues its mandate to protect civilians and help stabilize the DRC.

  • South Africa informed UN Secretary-General António Guterres of the decision on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • MONUSCO has been in the DRC since July 2010, taking over from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation.

The players

Cyril Ramaphosa

The President of South Africa who announced the decision to withdraw South African peacekeepers from the UN mission in the DRC.

António Guterres

The United Nations Secretary-General who was informed of South Africa's decision to withdraw its peacekeepers.

MONUSCO

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UN peacekeeping mission that has been in the DRC since 2010.

Félix Tshisekedi

The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Judith Suminwa Tuluka

The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The head of UN Peace Operations, Jean‑Pierre Lacroix, is currently in the DRC where he will meet with President Félix Tshisekedi, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, and other stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the MONUSCO mandate, including support for a permanent ceasefire.

The takeaway

The withdrawal of South African peacekeepers from the UN mission in the DRC is a significant development that could impact the mission's operations and the broader security situation in the region. The UN has pledged to work closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition, but the long-term implications remain to be seen.