The SADC has decided to withdraw its military mission from the DRC, as experts deem it ineffective against AFC/M23 rebels. Director Darren Olivier remarks that the withdrawal was overdue, emphasizing the need for an orderly exit with a focus on diplomatic efforts to restore peace in the region. This decision follows recent reviews of the security situation in eastern DRC and recommendations from the SADC Organ Troika.
A South African defence expert has expressed support for the South African Development Community’s (SADC) recent decision to terminate the mandate of its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The decision followed an Extraordinary Summit of SADC heads of state on March 13, 2023, which called for a phased withdrawal of troops deployed in December 2023 to support the Congolese army against AFC/M23 rebels.
The Congo’s government coalition relies on various forces, including troops from Burundi, the FDLR militia, European mercenaries, and multiple militia groups known as Wazalendo. However, this coalition has failed to stop the AFC/M23 rebels, who have taken control of major eastern cities like Goma and Bukavu.
SAMIDRC troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi negotiated their confinement in January due to the advancing M23 rebels, which has hindered their movements. Darren Olivier, Director of African Defence Review, welcomed the decision to withdraw, stating that the mission’s efficacy had clearly diminished since the M23 rebels captured Goma.
Olivier noted the protracted timeline of the withdrawal, remarking that “the mission should be ended and the troops withdrawn” as it was no longer viable. He commended South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi for not responding hastily to withdrawal calls, instead integrating the troop status with ongoing East Africa Community (EAC) and SADC negotiations.
An orderly withdrawal is essential, including maintaining equipment and weaponry. Olivier mentioned the need for repairing Goma Airport’s runway for the evacuation of military equipment. The SADC Extraordinary Summit emphasized the importance of achieving a political and diplomatic resolution within DRC’s various factions to restore peace and tranquilidad.
This decision to withdraw follows a thorough review of the eastern DRC’s security situation and recommendations from the SADC Organ Troika Summit held earlier in March, which deemed the troops’ position untenable. Additionally, it reaffirmed the merging of the Luanda and Nairobi processes to improve the peace-building operations.
In conclusion, the SADC’s decision to withdraw troops from the DRC is a long overdue acknowledgment of the mission’s ineffectiveness against the rising threat of the AFC/M23 rebels. The expert opinion stresses the necessity for an orderly exit process, aligning troop withdrawal with ongoing diplomatic talks to ensure stability in the region. Ultimately, achieving peace in the DRC will depend on inclusive discussions among all involved parties.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
