Eastern Congo: African Leaders Announce Troop Withdrawal Amid…

South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi are withdrawing troops from eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have attacked peacekeepers. Public dissent has surged following the deaths of 17 soldiers earlier this year. The withdrawal follows a SADC meeting and coincides with plans for peace talks in Angola.

African leaders announced a significant military withdrawal from eastern Congo, involving troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi. This decision follows the rising public dissent against the deployment ordered by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 2023, which aimed to combat insurgents in the mineral-rich region. The public outcry intensified after 14 South African and three Malawian peacekeepers lost their lives to M23 rebel attacks earlier this year.

The decision to withdraw was reached following a virtual meeting of the 16-member SADC bloc. This announcement coincides with Angola’s plan to host peace negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels next week, indicating a possible shift towards diplomatic solutions in the ongoing conflict. The withdrawal underscores the challenges faced by external forces in stabilizing conflict zones amid increasing local opposition.

The article highlights the withdrawal of troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi from eastern Congo due to public opposition following fatal attacks on peacekeepers. This military pullback signifies the difficulties of maintaining foreign troop presence in volatile regions and showcases a shift towards diplomatic resolutions as peace talks are set to take place in Angola.

Original Source: www.voiceofalexandria.com