Despite ongoing violence and rising tensions, Southern African leaders have decided to pull their military forces out of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a measure that indicates deepening instability in the region.
Southern African Troops to Withdraw from DR Congo Amid Rising Rebel Activity
Southern African Troops to Withdraw from DR Congo Amid Rising Rebel Activity
Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders agree on a phased troop withdrawal from DR Congo, while M23 rebels gain control over key areas.
The decision was reached through a virtual summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Thursday. For the past two years, troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania joined the Congolese army in an attempt to combat the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group. However, casualties among the forces have amassed, with at least 19 soldiers confirmed dead due to a recent surge of fighting.
The situation escalated earlier this year when M23 forces captured the strategic city of Goma, subsequently taking control of Bukavu as well. In light of this critical situation, SADC leaders affirmed their commitment to "support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace" in the region, despite the troop withdrawal.
While the exit of these forces marks a significant change in strategy, observers remain concerned about the implications for the stability of eastern DRC, where the M23 continues to exert its influence.
With this development, the political and humanitarian repercussions are poised to unfold further, raising questions about the future of peace efforts in one of Africa’s most historically conflict-ridden regions.
The situation escalated earlier this year when M23 forces captured the strategic city of Goma, subsequently taking control of Bukavu as well. In light of this critical situation, SADC leaders affirmed their commitment to "support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace" in the region, despite the troop withdrawal.
While the exit of these forces marks a significant change in strategy, observers remain concerned about the implications for the stability of eastern DRC, where the M23 continues to exert its influence.
With this development, the political and humanitarian repercussions are poised to unfold further, raising questions about the future of peace efforts in one of Africa’s most historically conflict-ridden regions.
