In a significant development for the conflict in eastern Congo, African leaders have announced the gradual withdrawal of troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi. These soldiers were deployed to curb insurgencies in the mineral-rich region of eastern Congo, an area notoriously plagued by violence from the M23 rebels, who have clashed with peacekeepers throughout the year.
The troops, sent as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in 2023, faced growing public unrest following the deaths of 14 South African and three Malawian peacekeepers at the hands of the rebels in January. This decision follows a virtual meeting of the SADC bloc, which also includes Congo. It comes just before Angola is set to host peace talks aimed at resolving tensions between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels.
Although no specific timeline was given for the troop withdrawal, the SADC emphasized a “phased withdrawal” approach. South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, stressed the necessity for all parties involved in the conflict to withdraw, calling for a ceasefire and engagement from all non-invited forces present in the region.
At a meeting in Cape Town with European Union leaders, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that the decision to pull out troops is aligned with the ceasefire process currently gaining traction. He voiced optimism about the forthcoming peace talks mediated by Angolan President João Lourenço and stressed the need for humanitarian and political support to maintain peace in the region.
The SADC mission is just one of many forces involved in eastern Congo, an area beset by years of armed conflict. This multi-layered struggle involves Congolese governmental troops, foreign mercenaries, a United Nations peacekeeping contingent, and over 100 groups vying for control over land and rich mineral resources. The M23 rebels reportedly receive backing from approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, although Rwanda denies supporting them.
The withdrawal initiative follows the M23’s control of pivotal cities like Goma and Bukavu in recent weeks, a move that has contributed to making eastern Congo one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with over 7 million people displaced. The fighting earlier in the year resulted in fatal clashes, necessitating a U.N. evacuation of seriously injured South African soldiers.
Commencing in late 2023, the SADC mission had its mandate renewed for an additional year in a meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, last November. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the chair of the SADC, urged for “continued support” to facilitate the safe withdrawal of troops and equipment, citing “dialogue” as essential for lasting peace in Congo.
Meanwhile, the U.N. Human Rights Council has initiated an inquiry into widespread atrocities, including alleged summary executions and rape committed by both combatants in this protracted conflict. The international community remains watchful as plans for peace talks unfold, hoping for a resolution to the crisis gripping the Congolese region.
