The Southern African Development Community (SADC) plans a phased withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as confirmed during a recent summit. The decision follows significant troop losses in a conflict largely associated with the M23 rebel advance. Concurrently, peace talks facilitated by Angola are set to begin following increased calls for dialogue to restore stability in the region.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) plans a “phased withdrawal” of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid ongoing hostilities, particularly with the M23 rebel group. During a virtual summit attended by leaders of 16 member states, it was confirmed that SADC’s mission, which has suffered losses since January, would come to an end. Notably, the mission has experienced the deaths of more than a dozen soldiers this year due to the protracted conflict in the eastern DRC.
The conflict, which has persisted for over three decades, was exacerbated by M23’s capture of strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu. Since January, the violence has led to an estimated 7,000 fatalities according to the Congolese government. The primary military contribution to the SADC mission has originated from South Africa, which deployed approximately 1,000 soldiers, facing the loss of 14 personnel in January alone, with additional casualties from Malawi.
SADC chairperson and President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, emphasized the urgency in addressing the ongoing violence, as it destabilizes the region beyond the DRC. He advocated for the necessity of inclusive dialogue while acknowledging the timing for a review of the SADC mandate in the country.
Preparations for peace negotiations between the DRC and the M23, mediated by Angola, are significant developments. Direct discussions are scheduled to commence on March 18 in Luanda, potentially easing tensions. Congolese leaders, who have previously resisted negotiations with M23, are now considering this Angolan initiative more favorably, as indicated by anonymous government sources.
As the withdrawal of SADC troops looms, the DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi faces mounting scrutiny regarding his administration’s response to the M23 advance. However, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, characterized the withdrawal as a beneficial step towards establishing peace in the volatile region. Reports suggest that Rwanda maintains significant troop presence in the eastern DRC to support M23, despite the Kigali government’s rejection of military assistance allegations.
The SADC will execute a phased withdrawal of its troops from the DRC following significant troop losses this year amidst the M23 advance. The recent summit underscored the need for urgent dialogue to restore peace, while direct talks mediated by Angola signal a potential shift in approach. However, the DRC government faces challenges as it navigates this withdrawal amid rising scrutiny of its strategies against M23.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
