The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will withdraw its troops from the DRC in a phased manner due to ongoing losses and conflict with M23 rebels. Peace talks between the DRC and M23 are set to begin next week, while the SADC troop withdrawal raises concerns about the DRC’s ability to handle the situation effectively amid a high death toll and criticism of its leadership.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has decided to carry out a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid the ongoing conflict with the M23 rebel group. This decision follows losses sustained by the mission, with at least a dozen soldiers lost since January. SADC leaders convened virtually to address the unrest in the DRC which has persisted for three decades.
Angola recently announced that peace talks between the DRC and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels would commence next week. Consequently, the SADC confirmed in a communique that its mission in the DRC, known as SAMIDRC, would conclude soon and initiate a phased withdrawal of troops. The M23 group has made significant territorial gains, capturing important cities such as Goma and Bukavu, resulting in a reported death toll of around 7,000 individuals since January.
Although officials did not specify troop counts, South Africa contributed a majority of the SAMIDRC forces, with at least 1,000 soldiers deployed. South Africa suffered the loss of 14 soldiers during the conflict in January, while three additional Malawian soldiers in the SADC team also lost their lives. This mission was deployed in December 2023 to aid in restoring peace against armed groups like M23.
During the summit, SADC chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of a speedy resolution to the conflict, pointing out its destabilizing effects beyond DRC borders. He suggested that revising the DRC’s mandate was necessary at this crucial time. Following the summit, Angola confirmed that direct talks between M23 and the DRC would start on March 18 in Luanda.
Angolan President Joao Lourenco had met with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, who was previously reluctant to engage in dialogue with M23 as requested by Rwanda. While Kinshasa has indicated willingness to converse with Kigali, it continues to accuse Rwanda of supporting M23. Other sources suggest that while the DRC government is open to talks, they would not absolve Kigali of its responsibilities in the conflict.
The impending SADC troop withdrawal presents a significant challenge for Tshisekedi, who faces criticism over his management of the M23 situation. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe remarked that the withdrawal decision could enhance stability in the eastern DRC. UN reports have suggested that Rwanda may be actively supporting the M23 group with military personnel, a claim Rwanda denies.
The SADC’s phased withdrawal from the DRC highlights the ongoing challenges the region faces due to the M23 conflict. Despite efforts for dialogue, the situation remains tense, with significant casualties reported. The future of peace talks initiated by Angola will be pivotal as the DRC navigates its next steps amidst external pressures and internal criticisms. The involvement of Rwanda adds complexity to the peace efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to stabilize the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
