Malawi President Orders Troop Withdrawal from DR Congo Peacekeeping Mission
Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the military to prepare for withdrawal from the peacekeeping mission in the DR Congo amidst ongoing conflicts. The decision follows the deaths of peacekeepers during clashes with M23 rebels. It aims to support ceasefire efforts and peace negotiations, responding to regional leaders’ resolutions. Meanwhile, South Africa has chosen to maintain its military presence despite similar pressures.
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the military to prepare for withdrawal from the peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). This decision comes as a response to ongoing conflicts in the area, where Malawian troops are part of the Southern African regional bloc’s military efforts aimed at combating armed groups. Recent violence led to the deaths of peacekeepers, including three Malawians and 14 South Africans, during an assault by the M23 rebels in the city of Goma, North Kivu province.
President Chakwera stated that the withdrawal is intended to support ongoing ceasefire efforts amid continuing hostilities. He conveyed this message through a televised statement, asserting that this move will facilitate negotiations towards enduring peace. The Malawi government has suggested that this decision aligns with resolutions established at a recent meeting of Southern African leaders in Tanzania, which called for a ceasefire to enable peaceful discussions.
Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu emphasized the withdrawal is a goodwill gesture aimed at promoting peace in the conflict-affected region. He referenced the unilateral ceasefire declared by the M23 rebels, although fighting has persisted in areas like the mining town of Nyabibwe. While President Chakwera has not specified the exact timeline for troop withdrawal, he noted that operational arrangements are being finalized.
Amid pressures faced by Malawi to remove its troops following peacekeeper fatalities, comparisons have emerged with South Africa’s position, where President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to keep his forces engaged in the region. The M23 rebels continue to attempt territorial expansions, notably toward Bukavu, prompting the Congolese government to recruit civilian volunteers for defense. The United Nations has reported nearly 3,000 fatalities during the M23’s aggressive campaign for Goma, raising concerns about the potential spread of diseases in the region.
Malawi has participated in a peacekeeping mission in the DR Congo as part of the Southern African military bloc aimed at stabilizing the region. The mission has faced significant challenges due to ongoing conflicts involving various armed groups, particularly the M23 rebels who have engaged in violent campaigns to capture key territories since their resurgence. The recent deaths of peacekeepers have intensified scrutiny and calls for a reevaluation of military involvement by regional leaders, highlighting the precarious security situation in the DR Congo.
President Chakwera’s decision to withdraw Malawian troops from DR Congo’s peacekeeping mission underscores the complex dynamics of regional security and the challenges posed by continuing violence from armed groups like the M23. This move is seen as a significant contribution to peace-building efforts while addressing domestic pressures surrounding the safety of peacekeepers. The unfolding situation in eastern DR Congo remains critical, with serious implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
