The SADC has decided to begin a phased withdrawal of its troops from the DRC amid ongoing conflicts with the M23 rebel group, following significant losses. Key discussions at a recent summit addressed the urgent need for stability and dialogue. As peace talks are set to commence next week in Angola, the potential implications for the Congolese government and regional dynamics remain a focus.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced plans for a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to ongoing conflicts with the M23 rebel group. This decision follows a virtual summit of SADC leaders, where they discussed the deteriorating situation in the DRC, which has suffered significant losses, including over a dozen soldiers belonging to the regional bloc.
Since January, the M23 rebels have made rapid territorial gains in the DRC, capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu. The Congolese government has reported that approximately 7,000 individuals have died amid the conflict. The SADC deployment, which began in December 2023 to support the DRC government in restoring peace, has included substantial contributions from South Africa, where 14 soldiers were killed during the operation.
During the summit, SADC chair and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the urgency of restoring stability within the region, which affects countries beyond the DRC. He stressed the necessity of inclusive dialogue and deemed a review of the SADC mandate a timely undertaking in light of the current turmoil.
Angola’s government has initiated direct peace talks between the DRC and the M23, scheduled to begin next week in Luanda. This marks a significant change, as Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi had previously been hesitant to engage with the M23. Reports indicate that Kinshasa is now considering these discussions seriously, while also maintaining its stance on Rwanda’s involvement in supporting M23.
The SADC’s announced withdrawal poses challenges for President Tshisekedi, who is already facing criticism regarding his management of the M23 resurgence. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has called the withdrawal a positive step toward peace in the eastern DRC, although tensions around Rwanda’s alleged military support for M23 persist. UN experts have indicated that Rwanda maintains troops in the area, although the Rwandan government denies these claims.
In conclusion, the SADC’s phased withdrawal from the DRC appears to be a strategic response to ongoing conflict with M23 rebels, highlighting significant losses and regional instability. The initiation of peace talks by Angola may pave the way for dialogue, although the DRC government faces criticism regarding its handling of the situation. The complexities of regional geopolitics, specifically the involvement of Rwanda, continue to be a pressing concern as efforts for peace progress.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
