The withdrawal signals a precarious moment for peace in the region as fighting intensifies and analysts raise concerns over escalated conflict.
Southern African Troops Withdraw from DR Congo Amid Rising Rebel Attacks
Southern African Troops Withdraw from DR Congo Amid Rising Rebel Attacks
Southern African Development Community leaders announce troop withdrawal as M23 rebels gain control of key areas.
With rising tensions and significant territorial gains by the M23 rebels, Southern African leaders have decided to withdraw their troops from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The troops were initially deployed two years ago to bolster the Congolese army against the Rwandan-backed M23 forces, who have dramatically expanded their control over the mineral-rich eastern region this year. At least 19 soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania lost their lives when the M23 captured the crucial city of Goma in January.
The ongoing conflict has led to thousands of casualties and left countless people homeless as they flee from violence. Concerns over a potential regional conflict have escalated, particularly as M23 continues to push its offensive, recently seizing Bukavu, the second-largest city in the area.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the troop withdrawal, expressing concerns over the precarious situation while noting that current peace efforts are still holding. However, political analysts describe the scenario as "embarrassing" for South Africa, highlighting the lack of readiness for meaningful engagement in what has turned into a full-blown war.
The decision came during an emergency virtual summit of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), which did not provide specific reasons for the withdrawal. Analysts argue that the move jeopardizes the stability of the Congolese government in Kinshasa, shifting Sadc's position from supportive to neutral.
Malawi's president had already announced a planned troop withdrawal earlier in the year, a step towards a wider scaling back of military involvement by the regional bloc. Although Sadc stated it would continue to support peace interventions, past peace processes in DR Congo have faced significant hurdles.
Angola has offered to host peace talks next week between DR Congo and the M23, a proposal welcomed by the latter. However, President Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo has historically resisted direct negotiations with the M23, insisting on discussions exclusively with Rwanda.
As troop numbers are uncertain, it has been reported that approximately 5,000 troops were to be deployed, with South Africa contributing the bulk. The future of peace in DR Congo is unclear as Sadc faces challenges in finding a diplomatic resolution amidst increasing violence.
The ongoing conflict has led to thousands of casualties and left countless people homeless as they flee from violence. Concerns over a potential regional conflict have escalated, particularly as M23 continues to push its offensive, recently seizing Bukavu, the second-largest city in the area.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the troop withdrawal, expressing concerns over the precarious situation while noting that current peace efforts are still holding. However, political analysts describe the scenario as "embarrassing" for South Africa, highlighting the lack of readiness for meaningful engagement in what has turned into a full-blown war.
The decision came during an emergency virtual summit of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), which did not provide specific reasons for the withdrawal. Analysts argue that the move jeopardizes the stability of the Congolese government in Kinshasa, shifting Sadc's position from supportive to neutral.
Malawi's president had already announced a planned troop withdrawal earlier in the year, a step towards a wider scaling back of military involvement by the regional bloc. Although Sadc stated it would continue to support peace interventions, past peace processes in DR Congo have faced significant hurdles.
Angola has offered to host peace talks next week between DR Congo and the M23, a proposal welcomed by the latter. However, President Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo has historically resisted direct negotiations with the M23, insisting on discussions exclusively with Rwanda.
As troop numbers are uncertain, it has been reported that approximately 5,000 troops were to be deployed, with South Africa contributing the bulk. The future of peace in DR Congo is unclear as Sadc faces challenges in finding a diplomatic resolution amidst increasing violence.
