A South African defence expert has commended SADC’s decision to withdraw troops from DR Congo, asserting that the military mission had become ineffective. The Extraordinary Summit acknowledged the need for a political solution amidst advancements by AFC/M23 rebels. The withdrawal process reflects a cautious approach to maintaining military assets while fostering negotiations for peace.
A South African defence expert has expressed approval of the South African Development Community’s (SADC) decision to terminate its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). During an Extraordinary Summit held on March 13, it was determined that the SAMIDRC troops, deployed in December 2023 to assist the Congolese army against AFC/M23 rebels, were no longer effective in the conflict-ridden region.
The Congolese government’s coalition comprises troops from Burundi, the FDLR militia responsible for the Genocide against Tutsis in Rwanda, European mercenaries, and various militia groups. Despite this joint effort, they have been unsuccessful in preventing the progression of the AFC/M23 rebels, who now dominate key eastern cities, Goma and Bukavu.
The troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi had earlier negotiated terms for their withdrawal and are presently confined to bases in Sake and Goma, hindered by the M23 rebels. Following the summit’s decision, Darren Olivier, Director of the African Defence Review, acknowledged the overdue nature of the troop withdrawal, stating that the mandate was no longer viable after M23 seized Goma in January.
Olivier noted that the withdrawal should have occurred earlier but praised SADC’s choice to handle the situation appropriately despite external pressures for immediate withdrawal. He stated it is crucial for the SADC to proceed with an orderly withdrawal, ensuring the integrity of equipment and armaments as a part of the East African Community (EAC)-SADC negotiation process.
The SADC Extraordinary Summit, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of pursuing a political and diplomatic resolution involving all factions in eastern DR Congo to restore peace and stability. This decision followed assessments of the security status in the region and recommendations made by the Troika Summit on March 6, which deemed the SAMIDRC mission impossible to continue.
Furthermore, the summit reaffirmed its commitment to merging the Luanda and Nairobi peace initiatives and expanding facilitation efforts to enhance peace-building in DR Congo.
The withdrawal of SADC troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo marks a significant step towards addressing the ongoing conflict in the region. The decision reflects a recognition of the mission’s ineffectiveness and the need for a renewed political approach. As SADC aims for an orderly withdrawal and future negotiations, the emphasis on including diverse stakeholders signifies a commitment to achieving lasting peace and security in DR Congo.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
