The SADC announces withdrawal from the DRC
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This is following casualties and significant challenges faced during their mission against the M23 rebel group. This decision also comes amid the M23's continued territorial gains in eastern DRC.
The withdrawal raises further concerns about the DRC's capacity to manage rebel threats independently, as the M23 maintains control over Eastern Congo resulting in a humanitarian crisis. In response, Angola is attempting to mediate talks between the DRC government and the M23. This marks a possible shift towards direct negotiations to achieve a peaceful ceasefire and reduce tensions in the region.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC has until now rejected direct talks with M23 and the government has not officially confirmed its participation. M23 welcomed Angola's initiative but asked Tshisekedi to publicly express his commitment to directly negotiating with the group.
Tshisekedi has reached out to Chad to assist the Congolese military, but there does not seem to be any progress on that front. However, several Western nations have imposed sanctions on Rwanda at Congo's request. Additionally, the DRC and the United States are engaged in exploratory discussions regarding a potential minerals-for-security agreement.
More to come.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This is following casualties and significant challenges faced during their mission against the M23 rebel group. This decision also comes amid the M23's continued territorial gains in eastern DRC.
The withdrawal raises further concerns about the DRC's capacity to manage rebel threats independently, as the M23 maintains control over Eastern Congo resulting in a humanitarian crisis. In response, Angola is attempting to mediate talks between the DRC government and the M23. This marks a possible shift towards direct negotiations to achieve a peaceful ceasefire and reduce tensions in the region.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC has until now rejected direct talks with M23 and the government has not officially confirmed its participation. M23 welcomed Angola's initiative but asked Tshisekedi to publicly express his commitment to directly negotiating with the group.
Tshisekedi has reached out to Chad to assist the Congolese military, but there does not seem to be any progress on that front. However, several Western nations have imposed sanctions on Rwanda at Congo's request. Additionally, the DRC and the United States are engaged in exploratory discussions regarding a potential minerals-for-security agreement.
More to come.