The Southern African Development Community has announced a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo amidst an escalating conflict involving the M23 rebel group. This decision follows a summit where leaders emphasized the necessity of urgent negotiations and dialogue for regional stability.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has resolved to execute a phased withdrawal of its troops stationed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid the advancing M23 rebel group. In a recent virtual summit, leaders from the 16-member bloc acknowledged the significant losses suffered, with at least a dozen soldiers lost since the year’s beginning as they prioritize stability in the region after three decades of conflict.
The SADC mission, known as SAMIDRC, was deployed to the DRC to aid the government in restoring peace amid ongoing violence. The withdrawal decision follows an announcement from Angola regarding upcoming direct negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 rebel group, a move intended to de-escalate the situation and foster dialogue.
M23 has aggressively seized control of critical areas in eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, contributing to a reported death toll of over 7,000 since January. While the exact troop numbers remain unclear, it is understood that a substantial portion of the SAMIDRC forces, estimated at 1,000, are from South Africa, which has already experienced casualties.
During the summit, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current SADC chairperson, emphasized the need for a heightened sense of urgency in addressing the ongoing unrest. He also noted the importance of inclusive dialogue, suggesting that a reevaluation of SADC’s mandate in the DRC was both necessary and timely.
In connection with this development, Angola has facilitated potential peace talks, set to commence on March 18 in Luanda. This reflects a significant shift, as DRC President Felix Tshisekedi had previously been resistant to negotiations with M23, largely at Rwanda’s behest. The Congolese government appears open to exploring this latest proposal, although it remains assertive in holding Rwanda accountable for its alleged support of M23.
The planned withdrawal of the SADC mission, which has provided crucial assistance against rebel forces, represents a challenge for President Tshisekedi, who faces scrutiny over his handling of the M23 incursion. In response, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister praised the withdrawal as a decision that could enhance peace efforts in eastern DRC, despite the ongoing allegations regarding Rwanda’s military involvement with M23.
The Southern African Development Community is undertaking a phased withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo amid escalating M23 rebel activity and significant troop losses. This decision aligns with a broader push for peace talks, spearheaded by Angola, as leaders stress the importance of dialogue and urgency in restoring stability in the region. The situation remains complex as DRC grapples with internal challenges while facing external pressures, particularly from neighboring Rwanda.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
