CAPE TOWN - The SADC has terminated its mission in the DRC following an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State.
Troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania will begin a phased withdrawal after suffering casualties during recent attacks by M23 rebels.
WATCH | Troops to withdraw as SADC calls off peace keeping mission in DRC
The summit has reaffirmed SADC's commitment to supporting efforts for lasting peace in the region.
Defence Deputy Minister General Bantu Holomisa says the troops will be returned, however, that will not happen overnight.
"In this case, the SANDF will be returned back, but it's not going to be quick because we have to guarantee the safety of our troops in that part of the world", he said.