President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi has ordered military preparations for withdrawing troops from a peacekeeping mission in the DR Congo amidst ongoing violence. This move follows recent fatalities among peacekeepers and aims to support a ceasefire declaration. While Malawi plans to withdraw, South Africa faces similar pressures but has chosen to maintain its troop presence.
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has directed the military to initiate preparations for the withdrawal of troops from their peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). This decision follows ongoing violence, with the recent loss of at least twenty peacekeepers, including three Malawi nationals, during conflicts with armed groups such as the M23 rebels. President Chakwera reaffirmed that the withdrawal aims to honor a ceasefire declaration amidst persistent fighting, ultimately facilitating negotiations for lasting peace.
The Peacekeeping mission, part of the Southern African Regional bloc’s military engagement, was established to stabilize the region and combat armed factions. The announcement of troop withdrawal comes after a regional summit in Tanzania involving southern African leaders prompted a call for a ceasefire to enhance the conditions for peace talks. Malawi’s Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu emphasized that this initiative is pursued in good faith, aiming to promote peace.
Though an exact timeline for the troop exit remains unspecified, President Chakwera noted that logistical arrangements are under consideration and that relevant parties, including the DR Congo president, have been informed of the decision. In parallel, the M23 rebel group declared a unilateral ceasefire meant for humanitarian purposes, but fighting has resumed as they continue aggressive territorial acquisitions, particularly in South Kivu.
Malawi’s strategy mirrors similar pressure faced by South Africa. While Malawian forces are set to withdraw in response to fatalities among peacekeepers, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the continuation of his country’s engagement in DR Congo due to existing operational mandates of the mission, which commenced in 2023. In their campaign, the M23 group has faced significant international scrutiny due to their violent actions, which have resulted in a substantial toll on civilian life and security.
Renewed conflict raises concerns regarding a potential humanitarian crisis, with fears of disease outbreaks like Mpox and cholera. Additionally, civilian efforts to bolster defense have gained momentum, particularly in the defense of key urban centers like Bukavu. The United Nations reports an alarming count of approximately three thousand fatalities due to the M23’s violent campaign, underlining the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to enhance stability in the region.
The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been characterized by violent conflicts involving various armed groups, primarily the M23 rebel faction. This region has seen significant unrest, with international military missions established to restore order and protect civilians. The involvement of southern African nations in peacekeeping efforts highlights the complexities of regional security and the intricate dynamics of international diplomacy in conflict resolution. Recent escalations have raised serious concerns about the safety of both peacekeepers and the local population, prompting urgent discussions on diplomatic resolutions.
President Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to withdraw Malawian troops from the DR Congo underscores a shift towards diplomatic negotiations following substantial losses among peacekeepers. The larger context of ongoing violence and regional instability further complicates the peace process. As armed groups like the M23 continue their offensive actions, the international community remains vigilant, emphasizing the urgent need for effective and lasting peace strategies.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
