SADC to Withdraw Troops from DRC as Peace Talks with M23 Begin

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has decided to initiate a phased withdrawal of its troops from the DRC due to escalating conflicts with the M23 rebel group, which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. A virtual summit led to this decision, coinciding with the announcement of upcoming peace talks between the DRC government and M23, mediated by Angola.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced its intentions to execute a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid escalated conflict from the M23 rebel group. This decision follows a virtual summit involving leaders from the 16-nation bloc, who have expressed concern over the losses sustained, including at least a dozen soldiers this year in the ongoing violence, which has persisted for approximately three decades.

The meeting transpired alongside an announcement from Angola regarding upcoming peace talks scheduled between the DRC government and the M23 rebels. Following the summit, SADC disclosed in a communique that the troop mission, referred to as SAMIDRC, will conclude operations in the DRC, with the withdrawal process now commencing.

The M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains in eastern DRC, including critical cities such as Goma and Bukavu, leading to a humanitarian crisis where the Congolese government reports at least 7,000 fatalities since January. The size of the current military deployment remains undisclosed, although South Africa is believed to contribute a substantial number of troops, estimated at around 1,000.

SADC chairperson and President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, emphasized the need for increased urgency in resolving the conflict, which has ramifications beyond the DRC. Additionally, direct peace talks facilitated by Angola between the DRC and M23 are set to take place in Luanda, with preliminary meetings already occurring between Angolan President Joao Lourenco and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi.

While the DRC has remained hesitant regarding dialogue with M23, the latest developments suggest a willingness to engage in negotiations, with Kinshasa maintaining its position regarding Rwanda’s alleged support for M23. The withdrawal of SADC forces could undermine President Tshisekedi’s standing, as he faces scrutiny over his inability to halt the rebels’ incursion. In response, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe referred to the withdrawal as a positive step toward establishing peace in the eastern DRC. UN experts have indicated Rwanda’s involvement in backing M23, a claim that the Rwandan government has denied.

The SADC’s decision to withdraw troops from the DRC underscores the challenges faced in addressing the persistent conflict with M23 rebels. As peace talks are set to commence, the regional bloc’s actions may significantly impact both local stability and President Tshisekedi’s governance. The situation remains intricate, with external influences such as Rwanda adding further complexities to the negotiations.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com