The SADC has decided to withdraw its military mission in DRC as experts deem the operation ineffective against AFC/M23 rebels. The Extraordinary Summit concluded that an orderly pullout was necessary as their mandate was no longer attainable. Additionally, the need for a diplomatic approach to restore peace in eastern DRC was emphasized.
A defence expert has expressed support for the South African Development Community’s (SADC) decision to end its military mission, SAMIDRC, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). An Extraordinary Summit of SADC leaders convened virtually on March 13, 2023, resolved to execute a gradual withdrawal of troops previously deployed to assist the Congolese army against the AFC/M23 rebels. This decision followed the troops’ ineffective contribution in the conflict where, despite the coalition including personalities from Burundi, the FDLR militia, and some European mercenaries, significant territorial losses occurred to the rebels.
The SADC troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi, who negotiated their surrender in January, are currently limited to their bases amidst M23 rebel control in Sake and Goma. Following the announcement regarding their withdrawal, Darren Olivier, Director of the African Defence Review, emphasized that the delay in terminating the mission was excessive. He noted, “It has been clear ever since M23 captured Goma [in late January] that SAMIDRC’s mandate was no longer viable.” Olivier commended the nations involved for resisting immediate pullout pressures while transitioning the mission status into ongoing East Africa Community-SADC discussions.
Olivier indicated that an organized withdrawal was imperative, which would necessitate retaining the integrity of military equipment. This process might also involve infrastructure improvements, such as repairing the Goma Airport runway to facilitate the airlifting of these materials. The SADC Conference, overseen by President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, underscored the need for a diplomatic resolution involving all stakeholders to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC.
The decision for troop withdrawal was formulated following a thorough assessment of the evolving security landscape in eastern DRC, and it aligned with previous recommendations from the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit held on March 6. This Troika had previously called for troop withdrawal on the grounds that their position was untenable. Furthermore, the Summit reaffirmed the previously outlined intention to merge the Luanda and Nairobi Process in collaboration with additional facilitators to strengthen the peace-building agenda.
In conclusion, the SADC’s decision to withdraw troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo marks a critical shift in addressing the ongoing conflict. The assessment by defence experts underscores the mission’s ineffectiveness as demonstrated by the advances of the AFC/M23 rebels. As SADC prepares for withdrawal, the focus will be on ensuring an orderly exit and initiating a political resolution involving all relevant parties to restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
