Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered military preparations for withdrawing troops from the DRC peacekeeping mission following recent violence and the deaths of peacekeepers. He emphasized that this decision aligns with a ceasefire declaration to foster negotiations. Despite ongoing conflicts, regional leaders support the move as part of a broader effort to stabilize the region and protect civilians.
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the military to initiate preparations for the withdrawal of Malawian troops from a peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These forces were part of the Southern African regional bloc’s military mission, SAMIDRC, aimed at combating armed groups in the region. Recent violence, including the deaths of peacekeepers following the M23 rebel group’s capture of Goma, prompted this decision.
Chakwera stated that the troop withdrawal aligns with the recent ceasefire declaration by the involved parties, despite ongoing hostilities. He expressed that this action would facilitate negotiations toward lasting peace in the region. The Malawi Information Minister emphasized that the decision to withdraw troops was made in good faith, following a consensus reached among southern African leaders to support a ceasefire for peaceful negotiations.
While the exact timeline for the troop exit remains unspecified, President Chakwera indicated that operational aspects are being finalized. The withdrawal decision has been communicated with both the President of the DRC and the Southern African bloc leadership. Despite a unilateral ceasefire declared by the M23 rebels, hostilities have resumed, with rebels taking control of strategic locations in South Kivu.
The President of Malawi has faced mounting pressure to withdraw troops following the casualties among peacekeepers, whereas South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa intends to maintain his country’s military presence in the DRC. The SAMIDRC mission, which was extended until December this year, continues amid challenges posed by the M23 and the humanitarian crisis affecting the region, including fears of disease outbreaks.
Since seizing Goma, the M23 rebels aim to expand their territorial control, which has raised concerns regarding the safety of civilians. The Congolese government has mobilized civilian support to defend key areas like Bukavu, underscoring the urgency of stabilizing the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued by violence and instability for decades, particularly in the eastern regions where various armed groups have operated. The Southern African region has intervened through peacekeeping missions, primarily to restore order and support local governance. Recently, the M23 rebel group’s resurgence intensified fighting, leading to the tragic loss of peacekeepers, which heightened the urgency for Malawi’s troop withdrawal as a measure towards fostering negotiation and peace. The involvement of external forces, coupled with ongoing humanitarian crises, highlights the complexities of the conflict. The recent resolutions among southern African leaders illustrate regional attempts to find a diplomatic solution amidst the violence, even as ground realities continue to evolve unfavorably for civilians in the conflict zones.
In summation, President Lazarus Chakwera’s directive for the withdrawal of Malawian troops from the DRC peacekeeping mission signifies a pivotal moment aimed at facilitating negotiations for peace amidst ongoing violence. While the situation remains tenuous, the call for a ceasefire and the involvement of southern African leaders reflect a commitment to resolving the conflict diplomatically. The safety and welfare of civilians, as well as the stability of the DRC, continue to be pressing concerns as the region navigates this challenging landscape.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
