SADC Concludes Military Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has decided to end its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following significant troop losses. The decision was made during a virtual summit on the ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC. Calls for troop withdrawal are increasing in South Africa, while peace talks between the DRC and the M23 armed group are set to begin next week in Angola.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced the termination of its military mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during a virtual summit held on Thursday. This decision follows the loss of at least 14 soldiers from South Africa and three from Malawi during the conflict in January. The SADC, composed of 16 nations, decided on a phased withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which was initiated in December 2023 to aid in restoring peace in the DRC.

SADC officials have not disclosed the exact size of the military deployment, although it is believed that the majority of the contingent comes from South Africa, estimated to be around 1,000 troops. There have been growing calls within South Africa for the removal of its soldiers from the DRC amid reports of confinement by M23 fighters, who have recently captured significant areas in the eastern DRC, including Goma and Bukavu.

In light of ongoing tensions, SADC chairperson and Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the need for “greater urgency” towards resolving the conflict during the summit. He highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue and deemed the reevaluation of the SAMIDRC’s mandate timely. Additionally, Angola announced that negotiations between the DRC and the Rwanda-backed M23 group will commence next week, signaling a potential step towards peace.

Angolan President Joao Lourenco, following a meeting with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed that direct peace talks would begin on March 18 in Luanda. Despite Rwanda’s denial of military support to the M23, UN reports indicate that around 4,000 Rwandan troops are present in eastern DRC, complicating the security situation. The DRC government has reported significant casualties from the M23 offensive, reinforcing calls for stabilized governance in the region.

In conclusion, the SADC’s decision to end its military mission in the DRC reflects significant developments in regional security dynamics. With escalating calls for troop withdrawal in South Africa and anticipated peace talks between the DRC and M23, the focus now shifts toward diplomatic engagement and finding a sustainable resolution to ongoing conflicts in the region. The outcome of upcoming negotiations in Luanda will be crucial in shaping future stability in the DRC and its surroundings.

Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com