The SADC has announced a phased withdrawal of its troops from the DRC after suffering losses amidst ongoing conflicts with the M23 rebel group, which has taken significant territory. Despite this, peace talks between the DRC government and the rebels are set to begin, highlighting the complex dynamics in the region’s stability.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will begin a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as announced during a recent virtual summit of its leaders. This decision follows the SADC mission’s significant losses, including the deaths of 14 soldiers from South Africa and three from Malawi since January, amid ongoing conflicts in the eastern DRC region plagued by over three decades of unrest.
The DRC government has reported at least 7,000 fatalities due to the resurgence of violence, particularly from the M23 rebel group, which has captured key cities such as Goma and Bukavu. The SADC mission, known as SAMIDRC, was deployed in December 2023 to assist in restoring peace but will now officially end operations in the DRC. The anticipated withdrawal highlights the deteriorating security situation and the ongoing turmoil in the region.
In the summit, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the need for urgent action to stabilize the area and suggested a comprehensive review of the DRC mission’s mandate. Angola has also announced that direct peace talks between the DRC and the M23 will commence shortly, with specific negotiations scheduled in Luanda next week.
Conversely, the DRC’s reluctance to engage with the M23 has shifted, marking a potential change in approach. The Congolese government is prepared for discussions, although it remains firm that Rwanda’s involvement with the M23 should not be overlooked. The SADC withdrawal may further complicate President Felix Tshisekedi’s efforts to manage the situation effectively, as he faces mounting pressure regarding the conflict.
In response to the unfolding circumstances, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister acknowledged that the troop withdrawal could promote peace in eastern DRC, yet the complexities involving alleged Rwandan support for the M23 continue to cast doubts over the situation. UN experts have indicated that Rwanda maintains troops in the eastern DRC, despite denials of military support to the rebels.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has initiated a phased withdrawal of its forces from the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to ongoing conflict and losses suffered. The situation remains dire, with significant casualties reported and peace talks scheduled between the DRC and M23 rebels. The success of these discussions, alongside the validity of Rwanda’s involvement, will be critical in determining the future stability of the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
