Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the military to withdraw from DR Congo following the deaths of peacekeepers amid ongoing violence. This decision is intended to support peace negotiations after a ceasefire declaration. The withdrawal aligns with agreements made by regional leaders, although fighting has continued with M23 rebels.
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has announced the impending withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), where they have participated in a peacekeeping mission amidst ongoing violence. The Malawian soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community’s military effort aimed at combatting various armed groups in the region. This decision follows last week’s violent incident, in which at least 20 peacekeepers, including members from Malawi and South Africa, lost their lives due to clashes with M23 rebels.
In a televised statement, President Chakwera emphasized that the withdrawal signals a commitment to honor a ceasefire declared by opposing factions, despite the continuation of hostilities. He indicated that removing the troops could facilitate peace negotiations aimed at establishing long-lasting stability. Malawi’s Information Minister, Moses Kunkuyu, asserted that this measure is taken in good faith to contribute to the peace-building initiatives established by regional leaders at a meeting held in Tanzania.
The president did not specify a timeline for the withdrawal but mentioned that arrangements were being made in coordination with both the Congolese and Southern African leadership. While a unilateral ceasefire was announced by the M23 group for humanitarian reasons, fighting has reportedly resumed, raising concerns as the rebels continue to expand their control over territories, notably in South Kivu.
Malawi’s decision follows significant domestic pressure due to the recent fatalities among peacekeepers. Conversely, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed to maintaining military presence as part of the mandated peacekeeping mission with specific operational timelines. The M23 rebellion has claimed numerous lives and has stoked fears of disease outbreaks in the war-torn landscapes they control, posing significant humanitarian risks alongside the ongoing conflict.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by violence from various armed groups, notably the M23 rebel faction, leading to significant military interventions from regional forces. The Southern African Development Community deployed troops to support stabilization efforts in the region, which has seen rising casualties among peacekeepers. The current hostilities, including the recent siege of Goma, have prompted discussions among regional leaders regarding ceasefires and negotiation pathways for lasting peace.
President Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to withdraw Malawian troops from DR Congo reflects a broader regional strategy aimed at fostering peace amidst ongoing conflict. With the M23 rebels resuming hostilities even after a declared ceasefire, the situation remains precarious. This action underscores the complexities and challenges of peacekeeping in volatile environments where the stakes for both military personnel and civilian populations are alarmingly high.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
