Rwanda Escorts Southern Africa Troops from Congo to Tanzania Amid Withdrawal

On Tuesday, Rwanda escorted Southern African troops from Congo to Tanzania as they began a phased withdrawal from the region. Rwanda’s officials emphasized that the withdrawal of the SAMIDRC force marks a positive step towards peace, amidst ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebels. The situation remains fluid, with mediation efforts continuing but no resolution reached yet.

In a notable development, Rwanda escorted troops from a Southern African force through its territory towards Tanzania on Tuesday. This comes as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) initiates the withdrawal of its mission from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s foreign minister and army spokesperson confirmed this step, reflecting a significant shift in the regional dynamics regarding the ongoing conflict.

The SADC, encompassing 16 member states, announced in mid-March the end of its mission mandate, known as SAMIDRC, indicating a phased withdrawal from Congo. This force was initially deployed to assist the Congolese government against various rebel groups in the eastern regions back in December 2023, an action which prompted protests from Rwanda, which asserted that the deployment could worsen existing tensions.

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe expressed his views on social media, stating, “The presence of SAMIDRC troops was always a complicating factor in the conflict, and today’s start of withdrawal marks a positive step in support of the ongoing peace process.” This sentiment reflects Rwanda’s long-held apprehensions regarding the peacekeeping force’s role in the region.

After the fall of Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, to the M23 rebels in February, many SAMIDRC troops began seeking refuge in United Nations peacekeeping bases. Rwandan army spokesperson Ronald Rwivanga confirmed that some troops commenced their departure on Tuesday, with reports of their convoy reaching Tanzania within hours.

Eyewitnesses reported that a convoy, including around 20 vehicles, was escorted by Rwandan army and military police through the border into Gisenyi, Rwanda. The vehicles appeared to be transporting military equipment alongside South African and Tanzanian soldiers. Notably, an ambulance in the convoy bore SAMIDRC markings, with drivers confirming the vehicles were en route to Tanzania.

It remains unclear how many SAMIDRC troops will ultimately depart. An M23 representative indicated that only about half of the SAMIDRC contingent in Goma left on Tuesday, with plans for the rest to follow at a later time.

This conflict, which has seen the M23 insurgency capture two of eastern Congo’s largest cities since January, roots back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing struggles over the control of Congo’s abundant mineral deposits. The violence has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Rwanda has consistently denied allegations by the United Nations which assert that it provides arms and troops to support the M23. Instead, Rwanda claims it is acting defensively to counter threats from the Congolese army and affiliated militia groups. In March 2024, Rwanda urged the African Union and international partners to withdraw their support from SAMIDRC, alleging that the force collaborated with fighters connected to its 1994 genocide.

Despite mediation attempts, notably by Angola and Qatar, a resolution to the conflict has yet to materialize. However, both Congo and Rwanda committed to drafting a peace agreement by May 2, as per a deal signed in Washington last Friday.

In conclusion, the withdrawal of the Southern African troops from Congo, escorted by Rwanda, reflects a significant moment in the ongoing conflict in the region. As Rwanda and Congo navigate this tumultuous landscape, the future stability of eastern Congo remains uncertain, hinging on diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations. The events unfolding reflect a delicate balance of military and political maneuvers in a historically complex area.

Original Source: www.marketscreener.com