Malawi’s President Chakwera ordered the withdrawal of troops from eastern DR Congo to honor a ceasefire by warring parties, while the M23 rebels captured Nyabibwe, raising concerns over continued violence and regional tensions. The SADC military mission’s future remains contested between DR Congo and Rwanda.
President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi has instructed the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to initiate preparations for the withdrawal of Malawian troops from the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This directive follows a ceasefire declaration from the conflicting parties and aims to facilitate negotiations for lasting peace within the region. The Malawian troops are part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) contingent assisting DRC in combating armed insurgencies.
The Malawian forces are involved in a military mission under the Southern African Development Community, which was extended late last year to address security challenges posed by various armed groups in DRC. Recently, the M23 rebel group declared a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes, but continued territorial advances indicated a pattern of violations. The conflict has significant implications for regional stability, given accusations against Rwanda’s involvement and the humanitarian crisis that has emerged due to mass displacements caused by the fighting.
The decision to withdraw Malawian troops underscores the precarious state of peace negotiations in DRC amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis and territorial conflicts. The situation remains tense as M23 rebels continue their offensive despite the ceasefire, which raises urgent concerns over the effectiveness of regional military support and the broader implications for stability in East Africa.
Original Source: www.southernhighlandnews.com.au
