The Southern African Development Community has decided to execute a phased withdrawal of its troops from the DRC amid ongoing conflict with M23 rebels. This follows significant troop losses and coincides with the announcement of peace talks between the DRC and M23 set to begin next week. The situation remains delicate as the Congolese government grapples with criticism for its handling of the conflict.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a recent virtual summit. This decision follows a year marked by significant losses, with over a dozen soldiers killed in the DRC since January. Affected leaders discussed the implications of ongoing conflict in a region plagued by unrest for nearly three decades.
The withdrawal decision coincides with Angola’s announcement of upcoming peace talks between the DRC and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group, slated to commence next week. In a communique, SADC stated that the deployment, termed the SAMIDRC mission, would be terminated alongside the initiation of troop withdrawal. M23 has significantly advanced, capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu amidst escalating violence that has resulted in claims of at least 7,000 fatalities.
South Africa, the primary contributor to SAMIDRC, has reportedly lost 14 soldiers this year, with additional casualties from Malawi’s contingent. The mission commenced in December 2023 to support the DRC government in establishing peace amid rampant armed group activities, including those orchestrated by M23.
During the summit, SADC Chairperson Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the urgency of resolving the DRC conflict, which threatens regional stability. He advocated for inclusive dialogue and noted that a review of SADC’s mandate in the DRC was timely. Similarly, Angola’s Office of the President confirmed that peace negotiations would commence on March 18 in Luanda, following prior discussions between Angolan and Congolese leaders.
Sources from the Congolese government indicated that the proposal for direct talks with M23 was under serious consideration, while noting that any engagement would not absolve Rwanda of its perceived accountability for supporting the rebel group. The impending SADC withdrawal may further challenge President Tshisekedi’s handling of the conflict as he faces mounting criticism. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister welcomed the withdrawal decision, suggesting it would positively influence peace in eastern DRC, despite UN allegations of Rwanda’s military support for M23, which the government has denied.
The SADC’s phased troop withdrawal from the DRC represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict exacerbated by the M23’s advances. With direct peace talks scheduled, the situation remains precarious, especially for the Congolese government under President Tshisekedi, who is under scrutiny for his conflict management. The implications of this withdrawal could be far-reaching, affecting regional stability as efforts for peace negotiations progress amidst international concerns about military support dynamics in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
