Malawi’s President Chakwera has ordered troop withdrawal from DR Congo amidst escalating violence and loss of peacekeepers’ lives. The decision aligns with calls for a ceasefire and reflects goodwill from recent diplomatic resolutions. While Malawi begins withdrawal preparations, South Africa maintains its military presence. Regional discussions are forthcoming to address the ongoing crisis.
Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has directed the military to initiate preparations for the withdrawal of troops engaged in a peacekeeping operation in the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). This order comes as part of the Southern African regional bloc’s military mission, intended to counteract armed groups operating in the region. The withdrawal follows the recent capture of Goma by M23 rebels, which led to the deaths of peacekeepers, including three from Malawi.
President Chakwera emphasized that the withdrawal aligns with a ceasefire declaration announced by conflicting parties despite ongoing hostilities. In a statement delivered via state television, he indicated that this move would facilitate peace negotiations. Malawi’s Information Minister, Moses Kunkuyu, noted that the decision reflects goodwill following resolutions made by Southern African leaders during a recent summit in Tanzania advocating a ceasefire.
Although specifics regarding the timeline for the withdrawal were not disclosed, Kunkuyu indicated that only operational details remain pending. The troop withdrawal will be communicated to both the DR Congo president and the regional bloc. Despite the M23 group proclaiming a unilateral ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, violence has resumed, and they have gained control over additional areas, complicating the situation further.
Pressure on President Chakwera to withdraw troops intensified after the deaths of peacekeepers. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has opted to maintain his country’s forces in DR Congo as part of their ongoing mission, emphasizing its predetermined duration and objectives. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) had authorized a combined force of 5,000 from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania for the mission.
SADC leaders are set to convene in Tanzania for a special summit focusing on the crisis in DR Congo, with both President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame expected to attend. Concurrently, the Ugandan military has denied allegations of troop deployments in eastern DR Congo amid escalated conflict. The M23 rebels are reportedly attempting to solidify territorial gains in South Kivu, including areas around Bukavu, prompting local authorities to mobilize civilian defense efforts.
The M23 has recently appointed officials to govern captured territories, amidst a backdrop of an outstanding arrest warrant for their leader, who faces accusations of war crimes. The UN estimates nearly 3,000 lives have been lost due to the M23’s activities, raising concerns about further disease outbreaks, including Mpox and cholera, as the International Criminal Court monitors the escalating violence.
The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been unstable, marked by numerous armed groups and significant humanitarian crises. The M23 rebels, a key faction in this conflict, have gained notoriety for their brutal tactics and territorial ambitions. Various peacekeeping missions, including those led by the Southern African Development Community and the United Nations, have struggled to stabilize the region, with mixed outcomes often leading to casualties among peacekeepers. Collaborative regional diplomatic efforts aim to establish a ceasefire and foster dialogue amongst conflicting parties.
The Malawian government is taking steps to withdraw its troops from DR Congo amid escalating violence and recent losses among peacekeepers. This decision is tied to broader diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and peace negotiations in the region. As regional leaders prepare for discussions, the situation remains volatile, with ongoing military pressures and humanitarian concerns following M23’s territorial advances.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
