Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered a troop withdrawal from the DRC peacekeeping mission following casualties from clashes with M23 rebels. This decision aims to support peace negotiations, aligning with a regional call for a ceasefire. Despite ongoing violence, officials affirm that the withdrawal is in good faith to further peace efforts in the region.
President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi has mandated the military to initiate preparations for the withdrawal of troops from their peacekeeping operations in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision comes amidst ongoing violence, including the death of at least twenty peacekeepers during recent clashes with M23 rebels in Goma, North Kivu’s capital. Chakwera emphasized that this measure intends to honor the recent ceasefire declaration, even as hostilities persist.
In a televised announcement, President Chakwera stated that the withdrawal would facilitate negotiations aimed at establishing lasting peace in the region. Malawi’s Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu remarked that this decision reflects goodwill towards peace-building efforts and aligns with resolutions from a meeting of southern African leaders. He noted that the withdrawal is in accordance with the calls for a ceasefire to enable peaceful negotiations.
While specific timelines for the troop withdrawal have not been disclosed, the Malawian government has assured that the operational details are being finalized. Following a unilateral ceasefire declared by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, fighting resumed shortly thereafter, with reports of the rebels advancing in South Kivu. The Malawian President’s decision comes amid domestic pressure to withdraw forces after the tragic loss of peacekeeper lives.
Despite similar pressures on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, he has affirmed his commitment to maintaining troops in the DRC under the SAMIDRC mission, which has defined operational timeframes. The ongoing conflict has claimed thousands of lives, with looming health risks posed by potential outbreaks of diseases such as Mpox and cholera due to the instability in the region.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has deep historical roots, involving various armed groups, including the M23 rebels. These groups have sought to gain control over resource-rich territories in eastern Congo, leading to a humanitarian crisis marked by high casualties and displacement. Peacekeeping missions from southern African nations aim to stabilize the region, but clashes with rebel forces have resulted in significant casualties among peacekeeping troops. The recent escalation of violence necessitated urgent discussions among regional leaders for a ceasefire and pathways towards peace.
In conclusion, President Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to withdraw Malawian troops from the DRC’s peacekeeping mission highlights a critical moment in the ongoing efforts for stability in the region. Despite the risks and pressures surrounding troop deployments, the intent behind the withdrawal focuses on promoting peace negotiations, although challenges persist with the escalating conflict involving armed groups. A united approach among southern African nations is essential for achieving lasting peace in the DRC.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
