The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will withdraw its troops from the DRC in a phased manner due to ongoing conflict with M23 rebels, amidst rising casualty figures. Peace talks mediated by Angola are scheduled to begin next week, while the SADC mission has faced severe losses since its deployment. The DRC’s government continues to navigate the instability in Eastern Congo.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amidst ongoing conflict with the M23 rebel group. Leaders of the 16-nation bloc, which has experienced military casualties this year, convened virtually to address the alarming situation in the eastern DRC, a region plagued by over three decades of violence.
Previously, Angolan authorities confirmed that direct negotiations between the DRC government and the Rwanda-supported M23 rebels would commence next week, further intensifying diplomatic efforts for peace. According to the communique following the summit, the ongoing SADC mission in the DRC, known as SAMIDRC, will come to an end, leading to a systematic withdrawal of its troops.
The M23 group has made significant territorial gains, capturing vital urban centers such as Goma and Bukavu since January, which has resulted in a reported death toll of over 7,000. The bulk of the SAMIDRC forces are from South Africa, which deployed around 1,000 soldiers, with notable casualties reported during the conflict.
During the summit, SADC chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the urgent need for inclusive dialogue to mitigate the instability affecting the region. He suggested it was timely to review the current mission’s mandate, as conditions continue to deteriorate following the advance of M23.
Angola is facilitating peace talks set to begin on March 18 in Luanda, following prior resistance from Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi to negotiate with M23. Although Kinshasa aims for a swift resolution, a government source mentioned the process may extend, depending on leadership decisions regarding the negotiation representatives.
In conclusion, the SADC’s decision to withdraw troops from the DRC reflects a precarious moment in the ongoing conflict with the M23 rebel group. With peace talks facilitated by Angola on the horizon and increased casualties among deployed forces, future stability in the DRC remains uncertain. The international community will be closely monitoring developments, particularly the role of Rwanda amidst the transitional peace efforts.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
