The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will enact a phased troop withdrawal from the DRC due to ongoing conflict with M23 rebels. SADC leaders emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue, complemented by upcoming peace talks initiated by Angola. The situation remains critical as the troop withdrawal may impact stability and President Tshisekedi faces increasing scrutiny regarding his response to M23’s advancements.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has decided to undertake a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid ongoing conflict and the recent advances of the M23 rebel group. This decision was reached during a virtual summit involving leaders from the 16-nation bloc, which has already suffered significant casualties, with at least a dozen soldiers lost since January 2023. The mission, known as SAMIDRC, was originally deployed in December 2023 to assist the DRC government in reestablishing peace and security in the eastern region plagued by violence for decades.
The SADC summit’s outcome follows the announcement from Angola regarding the commencement of peace talks between the DRC and the M23 rebels. In a formal statement, SADC declared that its mission in the DRC would be terminated, and actions towards a phased troop withdrawal were to begin immediately. Since the start of the conflict this year, M23 has captured extensive territories in eastern DRC, including the pivotal cities of Goma and Bukavu, leading to a tragic toll of approximately 7,000 deaths.
Most of the military personnel within SAMIDRC are from South Africa, which is estimated to have deployed around 1,000 troops. The South African forces experienced substantial losses, with 14 soldiers killed during the conflict. Additionally, three troops from Malawi were also casualties of the SADC mission. SADC chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, emphasized the necessity for urgent dialogue to resolve the conflict, which has implications beyond the DRC’s borders.
Angola’s government confirmed that direct negotiations between the DRC and M23 rebels would commence on March 18 in Luanda, as part of a mediation effort that involves both Angolan President Joao Lourenco and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi. The Congolese leadership is reportedly reviewing options for representation in these talks while maintaining that Rwanda remains a party in the ongoing dynamics due to its alleged support for M23. The SADC troop withdrawal presents a significant challenge for President Tshisekedi, as criticism regarding his response to M23’s resurgence mounts.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister articulated that the troop withdrawal entails a constructive step toward fostering peace in eastern DRC, even as UN experts claim that Rwanda continues to support M23 militarily. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations of providing aid to the rebel group, striving to maintain its position amid regional tensions.
The SADC’s decision to withdraw troops from the DRC marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebel group. As peace talks are set to begin, the potential ramifications of this withdrawal on stability in the region remain uncertain. With calls for urgent dialogue and critiques of the Congolese government’s handling of the situation intensifying, the future of peace in the DRC relies on various stakeholders’ engagement.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
