President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi has directed military preparations for troop withdrawal from the peacekeeping mission in eastern DR Congo following recent fatalities among peacekeepers. This decision aligns with a regional push for a ceasefire and negotiations to foster lasting peace amid ongoing violence led by the M23 rebel group.
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the military to begin preparations for withdrawing troops from their peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they were deployed as part of the Southern African regional bloc’s military mission to combat armed groups. This decision follows the recent killing of peacekeepers, and Chakwera emphasized the need to honor a ceasefire agreement amidst ongoing conflicts.
In a televised statement, President Chakwera expressed that the withdrawal aims to facilitate peaceful negotiations for a lasting resolution in DR Congo. Malawi’s Information Minister, Moses Kunkuyu, reiterated to BBC Newsday the government’s intention to withdraw troops in good faith, as part of a larger regional effort to address the violence.
Last week, during an informal meeting in Tanzania among southern African leaders, a resolution was passed to advocate for a ceasefire to create space for dialogue among conflicting parties. While the timeline for troop withdrawal remains uncertain, the operational details are currently being finalized, with communication made to both the DRC president and the regional bloc.
Amidst this scenario, fighting has resumed after the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group unilaterally declared a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons. Since the capture of Goma, the rebels have increasingly targeted areas in South Kivu, prompting a response from Congolese authorities who are mobilizing civilian volunteers for defense. The M23 group has further consolidated its authority in the region by appointing officials to administer captured territories.
The M23 rebellion has resulted in significant loss of life, with the UN noting that nearly 3,000 individuals have died since violence intensified around Goma. There is rising concern regarding the potential outbreak of diseases such as Mpox and cholera, fueled by the instability and humanitarian crisis in the area.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been plagued by conflict involving various armed groups, including the M23 rebels, who have been vying for territorial control in the eastern regions. The presence of peacekeeping missions, such as the one involving Malawian troops, seeks to stabilize the area and mitigate violence. However, the recent increase in attacks and casualties among peacekeepers has intensified debates on military involvement and international support for peacebuilding efforts. Amidst complex regional dynamics, leaders from surrounding countries are grappling with the dual challenge of maintaining security while fostering negotiations for lasting peace in the region.
In summary, President Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to withdraw Malawian troops from the DRC peacekeeping mission underscores a shift towards political dialogue amidst escalating violence. While the exact timeline for withdrawal remains unspecified, the focus on facilitating negotiations reflects a regional commitment to conflict resolution. The ongoing situation highlights the perilous conditions faced by peacekeepers and the urgency for sustainable peace initiatives in eastern DR Congo.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
