Southern African leaders have decided to commence a phased withdrawal of their military presence from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) as the M23 rebel group continues to gain territory.
Southern African Troops Begin Withdrawal from DR Congo Amid Rising Rebel Threat
Southern African Troops Begin Withdrawal from DR Congo Amid Rising Rebel Threat
As rebel forces advance in the region, Southern African leaders opt for a troop pullout strategy.
Southern African leaders convened a virtual summit of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) on Thursday, where they announced the decision to begin a phased withdrawal of troops stationed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The troops were deployed two years ago to aid the Congolese government in combating the M23 rebels, who are accused of being backed by Rwanda. The conflict has already claimed the lives of at least 19 soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, particularly following the M23's capture of the significant city of Goma in January.
Despite the troop withdrawal, Sadc leaders emphasized their commitment to supporting ongoing interventions aimed at achieving a sustainable peace in the region. The M23 continues to gain momentum, having recently taken over Bukavu, the area’s second-largest city, signaling a troubling escalation in hostilities. The hopes for a stable resolution hang in the balance as regional and international stakeholders weigh their next moves.
