African leaders have announced the withdrawal of troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi in eastern Congo, following public opposition and the deaths of peacekeepers. The decision follows a meeting of the SADC and comes ahead of peace talks to be hosted by Angola between the Congolese government and M23 rebels.
In a significant decision, African leaders from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi have agreed to withdraw troops deployed in eastern Congo to combat insurgents. These troops were sent under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 2023 to address rising violence from M23 rebels, who have increasingly targeted peacekeepers in the region. Public dissent surged following the deaths of 14 South African and three Malawian peacekeepers at the hands of the insurgents in January.
The announcement regarding the troop withdrawal was made following a virtual meeting of the SADC’s 16-member bloc. This decision comes just days before Angola is set to host peace talks, aimed at fostering dialogue between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels. This diplomatic effort illustrates a critical step toward resolving ongoing conflicts in the mineral-rich regions of eastern Congo, plagued by armed insurgency and instability.
The withdrawal of troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi marks a pivotal moment in addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. With increasing public opposition due to the loss of peacekeepers, it highlights the challenges faced by regional interventions. Moreover, the impending peace talks in Angola may provide a crucial opportunity for the Congolese government and M23 rebels to seek resolution and stability in the area.
Original Source: www.voiceofalexandria.com
