The SADC has decided to withdraw its troops from DR Congo, recognizing the ineffectiveness of the SAMIDRC mission against the M23 rebels. This conclusion followed an Extraordinary Summit, emphasizing the need for a political solution to restore peace. Expert Darren Olivier welcomed the move, citing it as overdue. Logistical challenges remain in ensuring a successful withdrawal process.
The South African Development Community (SADC) has decided to withdraw its military mission, SAMIDRC, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). This decision comes after an Extraordinary Summit held on March 13, 2023, where it was determined that the mission’s presence was no longer effective in addressing the ongoing conflict with the AFC/M23 rebels. SAMIDRC had been deployed in December 2023 to support the Congolese army but failed to stabilize the region, leading to the rebels’ control of major cities like Goma and Bukavu.
The coalition opposing the M23 rebels consists of various groups, including Burundi troops and the FDLR militia. Despite these forces, they could not prevent the rebel advancements. South African, Tanzanian, and Malawian troops from SAMIDRC had been negotiating their surrender since January and are currently confined to their bases near Sake and Goma, with their movements restricted by the M23.
African Defence Review Director Darren Olivier expressed that the withdrawal decision was welcome but overdue. He noted that the ineffectiveness of SAMIDRC had been apparent since the rebels captured Goma. Olivier commended South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi for not rushing to withdraw troops immediately, instead opting for a carefully considered end to the mission in conjunction with broader EAC-SADC negotiations.
Olivier indicated that for the withdrawal to be effectively implemented, SADC would enlist logistical support to ensure that equipment is returned intact, potentially addressing infrastructure issues like the Goma Airport runway. The SADC Summit highlighted the necessity of pursuing a political and diplomatic solution involving all relevant local and international parties.
This withdrawal decision was influenced by updates on the security situation in eastern DR Congo and the prior recommendations from the SADC Organ Troika Summit, which emphasized that the military position there had become untenable. Additionally, the summit reiterated plans to merge peace-facilitating processes from Angola and Nairobi to promote a sustainable peace-building framework in the region.
The SADC’s withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from DR Congo marks a significant shift in their approach to the ongoing conflict with M23 rebels. The decision is based on the realization that military intervention has failed to stabilize the region, leading to a focus on political and diplomatic solutions. Moving forward, logistical challenges in troop withdrawal and the need for collaborative peace efforts will be critical.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
