The Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently ended its peacekeeping mandate in the DRC following significant casualties among peacekeepers at the hands of M23 rebels. This withdrawal has led to public outcry, particularly in Malawi, where residents supported a halt to deployments. Peacekeeping in Africa faces funding declines and operational challenges, emphasizing the need for reevaluation of engagement strategies. Sudan remains notably neglected amid current conflicts.
On March 13, leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) ended their peacekeeping efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the killings of multiple peacekeepers by M23 rebels in January. The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) had been tasked with addressing the threats posed by the M23 rebel group in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the country. This withdrawal occurred shortly after mediators announced a new series of peace talks between Congo and the Rwandan-backed rebels.
SAMIDRC’s involvement succeeded the East African Community (EAC) and the longstanding United Nations Force Intervention Brigade, which had operated in the DRC for over two decades. Over a year into its mission, SADC leadership referred to a “phased withdrawal” after sporadic incidents, including an explosion in April 2024 that resulted in the deaths of three Tanzanian soldiers. The situation escalated in January, leading to the deaths of ten South African and three Malawian peacekeepers in Goma, alongside numerous injuries.
Chimwemwe Tsitsi, an international relations expert based in Malawi, suggested that a reassessment of engagement rules is necessary. He noted a shift in peacekeeper strategies from non-interference to active confrontations with armed groups, which may have contributed to the mission’s challenges. Various factors, he indicated, led to the decision to disband SAMIDRC.
The deaths of peacekeepers sparked significant public opposition, dominating headlines across southern Africa. Malawi responded first by halting its deployment, with President Lazarus Chakwera instructing military leaders to prepare for withdrawal. This decision was widely supported by citizens, with many expressing sentiments that the conflict in the DRC should not involve their troops.
Contrastingly, South Africa reinforced its military commitment by sending additional troops and equipment, despite public outcry and concerns from trade unions regarding soldier fatalities. Dr. Alex Vines from the Chatham House think tank, while in Guinea-Bissau, highlighted questions about the effectiveness of ECOWAS peacekeeping efforts, noting recent mission expulsions that raised alarm.
Successful peacekeeping missions have taken place elsewhere, as observed in The Gambia, where troops from Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria have been effectively involved since 2017. Vines mentioned that ad hoc arrangements like the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which combats Boko Haram, show potential for success in addressing regional conflicts.
Despite the ongoing activities of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), which supports the government in battling extremism, peacekeeping efforts in Africa are witnessing a notable decline. This reduction follows a shift initiated by the African Union in the 2000s; however, recent events have highlighted diminishing commitment and funding for these missions.
Since the UN withdraws from peacekeeping in Mali in 2023, there has been an ongoing trend of retreat from such missions, as indicated by Tsitsi. The Congolese government has pushed for a full cessation of the UN mission in the DRC, scheduled for late 2024. The region has observed a significant reduction in funding for peacekeeping operations over the past decade, which Tsitsi attributes to both financial constraints and a lack of commitment from traditional supporters.
While Kenyan police are deployed to Haiti, the majority of African troops continue to be integral to various continental peacekeeping missions, contributing regularly to significant operations across Africa. Currently, Sudan, amidst ongoing conflicts, appears to be neglected in terms of international support, according to Tsitsi, who noted the lack of intervention by both the United Nations and the African Union.
In summary, the withdrawal of SADC peacekeepers from the DRC marks a crucial turning point in regional security efforts. The increasing fatalities among peacekeeping forces have ignited public outcry and reflection on the effectiveness of current strategies. As funding for peacekeeping missions declines, challenges persist in maintaining order across conflict-ridden areas in Africa. The situation in Sudan evidences further neglect, underscoring the urgent need for a reevaluation of peacekeeping commitments and strategies in the continent’s ongoing conflicts.
Original Source: www.dw.com
