On Tuesday, Rwanda facilitated the withdrawal of Southern African troops from Congo to Tanzania, as part of a phased exit by SAMIDRC. This development follows the announcement of troop withdrawal by SADC. Rwandan officials view this as a positive stride for peace amidst ongoing conflict fueled by rebel activity in the region.
Rwanda has facilitated the withdrawal of Southern African troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, escorting them through its territory towards Tanzania on Tuesday. This move comes after the Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced a phased withdrawal of its force, known as SAMIDRC, earlier this month. The force had been deployed in December 2023 to support the Congolese government in addressing the ongoing insurgency of rebel groups in the region.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated that the presence of SAMIDRC troops complicated the situation, and their withdrawal marks a significant advancement for the peace process in the area. Nduhungirehe expressed optimism about this development on social media platform X. After Goma fell to M23 rebels, many SAMIDRC troops, estimated to be several hundred, took refuge in U.N. peacekeeping bases for safety.
Military spokesperson Ronald Rwivanga confirmed that part of the SAMIDRC convoy departed for Tanzania on Tuesday and should arrive within several hours. Witnesses observed Rwandan military personnel escorting around 20 vehicles across the border into Gisenyi, carrying military gear and soldiers from Tanzania and South Africa. Interestingly, an ambulance in the group bore SAMIDRC markings and was reportedly headed for Tanzania.
However, an insider from the M23 reported that only half of the SAMIDRC force based in Goma left on Tuesday, indicating that the remaining troops would depart at a later time. The M23 has gained control over eastern Congo’s key cities amidst escalating violence, which has deep historical ties to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing battles for the country’s mineral resources.
Rwanda has firmly denied U.N. claims of support for the M23 movement, emphasizing that its military actions are largely defensive against Congolese forces and allied militias. Earlier this year, Rwanda urged the African Union and its partners not to support SAMIDRC, arguing the mission was assisting a Congolese government coalition that included individuals linked to the genocide.
Efforts to mediate the conflict, including initiatives by Angola and Qatar, have yet to yield a resolution. However, both Rwanda and Congo have committed to drafting a peace agreement by May 2, following an agreement reached in Washington last Friday.
In summary, Rwanda’s escort of Southern African troops marks a pivotal moment in easing tensions in eastern Congo, following the phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops. The situation remains complex, with ongoing violence linked to historic conflicts and resource struggles. Despite international mediation attempts, lasting peace has yet to be achieved, although both nations are working towards a draft agreement by early May.
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