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SADC Announces Phased Withdrawal of Troops from DRC Amid M23 Conflict

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) plans a phased withdrawal of troops from the DRC after experiencing significant losses amid the M23 rebel advance. This decision was made during a recent summit where the need for urgent dialogue was emphasized. Simultaneously, peace talks with the M23 are set to commence, bringing hope for resolution amidst prolonged conflict.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a planned phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This decision comes amidst ongoing unrest in the eastern DRC, where SADC has lost at least a dozen soldiers in the conflict since January. The leaders convened for a virtual summit to address the deteriorating situation, which has persisted for over three decades.

Angola has initiated peace talks between the DRC government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, set to begin next week. Following their discussion on the conflict, SADC confirmed the termination of its mission in the DRC, known as SAMIDRC, and directed a phased withdrawal of its troops. Since January, M23 has made significant territorial gains, controlling vital areas such as Goma and Bukavu, contributing to a reported death toll of 7,000 individuals.

The SADC troop deployment primarily consisted of South African soldiers, with approximately 1,000 personnel dispatched to the region. South African forces reported the loss of 14 troops during these operations, mainly due to the unrest involving the SADC mission, along with casualties from UN missions. The SADC deployment began in December 2023 to support DRC authorities against ongoing violence from armed groups, including M23.

During the summit, SADC chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the need for urgent dialogue to quell the fighting and restore stability, recognizing the conflict’s regional implications. Direct peace talks between the DRC and M23 are due to commence in Luanda, as directed by Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

Government sources have indicated that the new proposals from Angola are being considered, with uncertainty surrounding the duration and participants of the discussions. Notably, clarity has emerged regarding Kigali’s involvement, linking Rwanda’s responsibility to the ongoing conflict, despite the direct talks with M23. The SADC withdrawal poses additional challenges for President Felix Tshisekedi, who has faced significant scrutiny regarding his leadership during M23’s resurgence.

In conclusion, the SADC’s decision to withdraw its troops from the DRC marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict exacerbated by the M23 rebel group’s advances. With peace talks on the horizon, the future stability of the region remains uncertain. The SADC’s leadership, along with Angolan mediation, will play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of these negotiations and the resolution of the longstanding unrest in eastern DRC.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

Samir Khan

Samir Khan is a well-respected journalist with 18 years of experience in feature writing and political analysis. After graduating from the London School of Economics, he began his career covering issues related to governance and societal challenges, both in his home country and abroad. Samir is recognized for his investigative prowess and his ability to weave intricate narratives that shed light on complex political landscapes.

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