Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 9, 2026 Peace and security
South Africa has decided to withdraw its contingent from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he has notified UN Secretary-General António Guterres of this decision.
The decision, the South African leader emphasized, stems from the need to "consolidate and redistribute armed forces resources" after 27 years of the country's participation in peacekeeping operations in the DRC. South Africa is one of the ten largest contributors to the mission, with over 700 troops.
The Mission expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of South Africa for their long-standing support and stressed that it would work towards a “safe, orderly and responsible” withdrawal of peacekeepers. Antonio Guterres, in turn, also thanked the country for its contribution to the mission's activities, said UN chief spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
The mission has been operating in the DRC since 2010. Its mandate includes protecting civilians and contributing to the country's stabilization. As of October 2025, more than 12,400 personnel served in MONUSCO. Since the mission's inception, 304 UN peacekeepers, including South African troops, have been killed.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix is currently in the DRC. He is discussing the implementation of the Mission's mandate and supporting a permanent ceasefire. Lacroix will visit North Kivu province and then head to the African Union summit in Addis Ababa.
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