DRC crisis: Sadc withdraws troops. . . To pursue non-military solutions

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

Zvamaida Murwira

Senior Reporter

Sadc has resolved to withdraw its troops deployed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while non-military solutions are being pursued to end hostilities in the Great Lakes region.

This came out from the Extraordinary virtual summit which drew Heads of State and Government from across the region chaired by President Mnangagwa yesterday to reflect on the conflict in eastern DRC.

Sadc had deployed troops from Tanzania, Malawi and South Africa to help contain the raging conflict pitting DRC Government forces and armed group M23 in the eastern Congo.

The conflict has left thousands of people dead, with millions of them including women, children, the elderly and the disabled displaced.

The regional bloc deployed troops under the Sadc Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) to help end the conflict.

The troops were deployed on 15 December 2023 after an Extraordinary Sadc Summit held in Windhoek, Namibia in May of the same year to support the Government of DRC owing to the resurgence of armed groups.

In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa described the withdrawal as bold.

“On the basis of well-considered factors and reflections on the initial mandate, this Extraordinary SADC Summit has made the bold decision to withdraw our mission from the eastern DRC. The withdrawal of SAMIDRC notwithstanding, our august regional body will remain seized with the political and security situation in eastern DRC,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Allow me, as we conclude our meeting, to extend sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Troop Contributing Countries and all Member States, for the backing rendered to SAMIDRC. As our mission enters a withdrawal phase, we appeal for continued support, to facilitate the safe withdrawal of all our troops and evacuation of our equipment.”

He called for the implementation of decisions made at the Joint SADC-East African Community meeting.

“These include the merger of the Luanda and Nairobi Peace Processes, more so that dialogue is a key cog to usher lasting peace to the people of DRC. Our collective pursuit for peace is the greatest tribute we can accord our heroes and heroines, both living and fallen, who selflessly answered the call of duty. Their sacrifice can never be in vain,” he said.

The summit resolution followed an Extraordinary Troika summit on the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs chaired by Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan that met last week and tabled their report for consideration yesterday.

In his speech to officially open the Extraordinary Summit, President Mnangagwa called for the cessation of hostilities in DRC, saying it had the potential to spread to other borders.

“As we convene today, we remain cognisant of the fact that repercussions of the instability extend beyond the DRC borders, affecting the broader region at large. It is noteworthy that the implementation of the resolutions of the Joint SADC-EAC Summit is now underway,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Emphasis must be on collaborative strategies to improve peace and security in the DRC. SADC thus, welcomes efforts by the International Community to end the conflict, particularly, the adoption of Resolution 2773 by the United National Security Council. This resonates with the ongoing initiatives by our African regional bodies. As SADC, we reaffirm our commitment to play our part in promoting lasting and sustainable peace. In this regard, an inclusive and comprehensive dialogue process is essential, to strengthen security mechanisms that safeguard the human rights and dignity of the affected communities. Undoubtedly, there have been many setbacks and challenges in our quest for peace in eastern DRC.”

Delivering his introductory remarks, SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi said there was need to protect the Sadc-EAC platform saying it was the only trusted structure by stakeholders including the belligerents.

“I wish to also highlight, Your Excellencies, that the EAC-SADC engagement process must be protected and nurtured. It is probably the only structure in recent times that has brought some level of trust for both the DRC and Rwanda, and hope to multiple stakeholders, namely the SADC and EAC regions, the African Union Peace and Security Council, the UN Security Council, and the international community.

“The two RECs must, therefore, jealously guard this structure and ensure it does not become another failed process. We must do everything in our power, as SADC especially, and ensure this structure achieves its objectives, and that it remains credible, trusted and free from blemishes,” said Mr Magosi.

He described the security situation in eastern DRC as worrisome and continued to be a concern for the region.

“The attacks by the M23 armed group against DRC Government Forces, SAMIDRC Troops, and the civilian population and the subsequent capture of various cities and towns in the area, have resulted in the loss of lives and injuries, and led to a sharp increase in internally displaced persons, forcing many people, particularly women, children, the elderly and disabled, to flee their homes. SADC strongly condemns the unwarranted attacks on innocent people by the rebel groups and is resolute in standing in solidarity with our sister country, to address the prevailing security challenges through the relevant SADC structures,” he said.

“The situation is compounded by the blockade of main supply routes and the capture by the M23 Armed Group of both Goma International Airport and Kavumu Airport in Bukavu. Urgent diplomatic intervention is, therefore, needed to open these airports to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance and allow SADC and its structures to find an immediate and workable solution for our Mission.”

After the two-hour engagement, Mr Magosi, leading a secretariat team from the regional bloc in Harare, read out the communique which indicated that Heads of State and Governments had resolved to withdraw their troops.

Yesterday’s meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, Minister of State for National Security, Lovemore Matuke, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Valerio Sibanda.