Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the withdrawal of troops from the DRC peacekeeping mission following recent fatalities among peacekeepers. The decision aims to honor a ceasefire and facilitate peace negotiations. The move aligns with a regional initiative for a ceasefire amidst ongoing conflicts involving armed groups, particularly the M23 rebels.
President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi has ordered the military to prepare for the withdrawal of troops from their peacekeeping mission in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This decision follows the recent fatalities of peacekeepers, as M23 rebels captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Chakwera stated that the withdrawal is intended to facilitate the ceasefire agreement and support future negotiations for peace in the region. Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu emphasized that this move is made in good faith as a response to a regional ceasefire resolution achieved during a meeting in Tanzania.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been marked by violence perpetrated by various armed groups, most notably the M23 rebels. The situation escalated recently when the M23 captured key territories, resulting in numerous casualties among peacekeeping forces from multiple countries, including Malawi. The international response has included various peacekeeping missions aimed at stabilizing the region, but the persistent conflict poses ongoing challenges to peace efforts. Recent discussions among southern African leaders stressed the importance of establishing a ceasefire to enable peaceful negotiations, leading to Malawi’s decision to withdraw its troops.
In summary, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has opted to withdraw troops from the DRC to honor a ceasefire declaration and promote peace negotiations amid ongoing conflict. The decision follows significant losses among peacekeepers and reflects a broader regional initiative to establish a ceasefire. Despite pressures on other nations, Malawi’s move signifies a commitment to supporting peacebuilding efforts in a strife-torn region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
