The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), ending its SAMIDRC mission.

The decision follows months of conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have seized key cities, causing at least 7,000 deaths.

South Africa, the largest troop contributor, lost 14 soldiers, while Malawi also suffered casualties, Al-Jazeera has reported.

The withdrawal plan comes as Angola prepares to host peace talks between the DRC and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels next week.

Written by B.C. Begley