Leaders from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi will withdraw troops from eastern Congo due to high casualties among peacekeepers and public opposition. The decision followed a SADC meeting and precedes upcoming peace talks in Angola involving the Congolese government and M23 rebels.
Leaders from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi have decided to withdraw their troops from eastern Congo, where they were deployed to combat insurgents. The region, rich in minerals, has faced devastation from M23 rebels, with significant casualties including 14 South African and three Malawian peacekeepers killed as a result of rebel attacks this year.
The troops were initially sent in 2023 as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). However, following the deaths of the peacekeepers, public opposition to their deployment increased dramatically. The withdrawal decision was made during a virtual meeting of the 16-member SADC bloc.
The announcement of troop withdrawal coincided with Angola’s plan to host peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict between the Congolese government and M23 rebels. This development highlights the ongoing volatility in the region and the challenges faced by peacekeeping forces.
The withdrawal of troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi from eastern Congo is a significant development amid rising public opposition after recent casualties among peacekeepers. The situation highlights the complexities of international intervention in conflict zones, further underscored by Angola’s initiative for peace talks. This emerging diplomatic effort may provide a potential path toward resolution in the region.
Original Source: www.voiceofalexandria.com
