SADC Troop Withdrawal from DR Congo: A Long Overdue Decision

The SADC has decided to withdraw its military mission from the DRC, as experts argue the troops were ineffective. The decision, made during the March 13 Summit, follows the inability of the coalition forces to repel the AFC/M23 rebels. Experts emphasized the necessity for an orderly withdrawal and the importance of a political solution for lasting peace.

In a significant development, a defense and security expert has expressed approval of the South African Development Community’s (SADC) decision to withdraw its military mission from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision, made during an Extraordinary Summit on March 13, 2023, reflects a growing consensus that the presence of SADC troops is no longer effective in addressing the conflicts in the region.

The SADC mission, known as SAMIDRC, was initially deployed in December 2023 to support the Congolese army against the AFC/M23 rebels. However, the coalition, which includes forces from Burundi and other militia groups, has been unable to stem the tide of the advancing rebels who have captured key cities, Goma and Bukavu. Compounding the situation, SAMIDRC troops are currently restricted to their bases amidst the conflict.

Darren Olivier, Director of the African Defence Review, commented on the prolonged nature of troop withdrawal. He noted that the mission’s viability ceased following the M23’s takeover of Goma in January and emphasized that timely termination of the mandate was essential. He remarked, “It has been clear ever since M23 captured Goma… that the mission should be ended and the troops withdrawn. A mandate termination was all but inevitable.”

Olivier also articulated the importance of an orderly withdrawal process, highlighting the need to maintain equipment and weaponry integrity amidst negotiations involving the East Africa Community (EAC) and SADC. He mentioned that repairs to Goma Airport were crucial for effective troop withdrawal.

The SADC Summit, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, called for political and diplomatic resolutions involving all stakeholders in the eastern DRC to facilitate peace. The withdrawal decision was informed by recent updates on the precarious security situation and the recommendation from the SADC Organ Troika Summit, which deemed the troops’ position unattainable. Furthermore, the Summit underscored the necessity of merging the Luanda and Nairobi processes to enhance the peace-building agenda in the region.

The SADC’s decision to withdraw troops from the DRC marks a pivotal moment in addressing the ongoing conflicts. Experts, including Darren Olivier, affirm that the mission had lost its viability, highlighting a need for organized withdrawal while maintaining equipment integrity. The call for political solutions involving all parties emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering lasting peace in eastern DRC. The merging of different diplomatic processes further underscores the commitment to comprehensive peace-building initiatives.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw