The SADC has ended its peacekeeping mission in the DRC following increased fatalities among peacekeepers. Public opposition grows against foreign military engagement, leading Malawi to withdraw. SADC continues its operation in Mozambique, while funding challenges persist across African peacekeeping missions. Experts highlight the neglect of conflicts in areas like Sudan, stressing the need for renewed strategies and resources.
On March 13, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) concluded its peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the death of several peacekeepers at the hands of M23 rebels. The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) had been appointed to mitigate the ongoing conflict. This decision coincided with renewed peace talks facilitated by Angola between Congo and M23 representatives.
SAMIDRC was established after prior contributions from the East African Community (EAC) and the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade, which had long been stationed in Congo. The phased withdrawal of SADC forces occurred shortly after multiple attacks on peacekeepers, including significant fatalities among South African and Malawian soldiers during clashes for control over Goma.
Chimwemwe Tsitsi, an international relations expert from Malawi, suggests a reassessment of rules governing peacekeepers’ engagement in conflict areas is necessary. He notes that peacekeepers’ shift from a non-interference stance to active engagement could explain the increased encounters with armed groups in the region.
The deaths of peacekeepers drew widespread media attention across Southern Africa, eliciting public backlash. Malawi halted its contribution to the peacekeeping effort, with President Lazarus Chakwera directing military forces to prepare for withdrawal. Public sentiments agreed that engagement in Congo was not in the national interest, emphasizing a call for troops to return.
In contrast, South Africa opted to reinforce its military presence in the DRC, despite public outrage over the casualties. South African National Defence Force (SANDF) struggles with resource limitations while facing criticism from trade unions and citizens.
Dr. Alex Vines from Chatham House reflects on the effectiveness of regional peacekeeping missions and notes mixed experiences within the ECOWAS framework in countries like Guinea-Bissau and Gambia. He mentions successful stability efforts in Gambia involving peacekeepers from Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria, while also pointing to potential in ad hoc arrangements like the Multinational Joint Task Force combatting Boko Haram.
Currently, the SADC maintains an active mission in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province against insurgent threats. Historical trends reveal that since the early 2000s, African-led interventions have evolved, although diminished funding remains a vital issue. Tsitsi argues that recent withdrawals, including that of MONUSCO, have left peacekeeping efforts weakened.
The UN’s financial commitment to African peacekeeping missions has dropped significantly; funding decreased from $6.4 billion in 2014 to about $2.7 billion in 2024. Such declines hamper operation capacities, as many African nations contribute troops and police to ongoing UN missions in various regions.
Tsitsi emphasized the neglect of conflict zones such as Sudan, where interventions from international or regional bodies have been limited. He highlights Sudan’s situation as an example of areas in Africa facing significant challenges regarding peacekeeping and international assistance.
The cessation of SADC’s peacekeeping mandate in the DRC marks a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing conflict management. The increasing casualties among peacekeepers and public dissent have prompted countries like Malawi to withdraw their forces. In contrast, other nations remain committed to stabilizing regions like Mozambique. However, the overall decrease in funding and engagement poses serious threats to the effectiveness of African-led peacekeeping missions, particularly in neglected areas such as Sudan. Without renewed investment and a strategic rethink of engagement rules, the stability of many African regions remains precarious.
Original Source: www.dw.com
