Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered troops to prepare for withdrawal from their peacekeeping mission in eastern DRC following the deaths of Malawian and South African peacekeepers during M23 rebel attacks. The decision aims to honor a ceasefire declaration and improve conditions for future negotiations for lasting peace. This comes amid ongoing violence as M23 continues to pursue territorial control in the region.
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the military to initiate preparations for withdrawing troops from their peacekeeping mission in the tumultuous eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These Malawian forces are part of the Southern African regional bloc’s military mission (SAMIDRC), which was deployed to assist in addressing various armed groups in the region. The directive follows the tragic deaths of at least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 South Africans and three Malawians, who were killed amid escalating violence by the M23 rebels, particularly during their assault on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
In a formal address, President Chakwera emphasized that this decision aims to respect a ceasefire declaration made by involved parties, despite ongoing hostilities. He highlighted that the withdrawal would facilitate future negotiations geared toward fostering lasting peace in the region. Additionally, Malawi’s Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu stated that this action is being taken “in good faith” to contribute to peace-building efforts following a recent resolution by southern African leaders advocating for a ceasefire.
While the precise date of troop withdrawal remains unspecified, President Chakwera mentioned that only the operational aspects of the withdrawal need to be finalized. He confirmed that both the DRC president and the Southern African bloc have been informed of this decision. Concurrently, the M23 rebel group, which announced a unilateral ceasefire, has continued its attacks, reportedly seizing the strategic mining town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu province.
Under pressure to withdraw military forces following the fatalities of peacekeepers, President Chakwera has moved decisively in this regard. In contrast, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has opted to maintain his country’s military presence in the DRC, adhering to the operational framework established by the SAMIDRC mission, which was first deployed in 2023 and has a planned end date in December of this year. The M23 rebels have intensified their territorial ambitions after capturing Goma, raising concerns regarding the security and health conditions in the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced prolonged instability, particularly in the eastern regions where multiple armed groups, including M23, operate. The Southern African regional bloc has deployed peacekeeping forces in an effort to stabilize this area. Recent escalations in violence, including the capture of Goma, have resulted in devastating casualties among peacekeepers and increased international scrutiny on the effectiveness and safety of these missions. Diplomatic efforts, such as those calling for ceasefires, aim to lay the groundwork for negotiations to establish a sustainable peace in the DRC amidst the ongoing conflict.
In conclusion, President Chakwera’s directive to withdraw Malawian troops from the DRC peacekeeping mission underscores the challenges faced by international forces amid escalating violence. While this decision aligns with recent calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations, the continuing attacks by rebel groups pose significant obstacles to achieving lasting peace. The situation remains critical as regional leaders navigate complex dynamics to promote stability in the DRC.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
