/
RSS Feed
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the military to begin preparing for withdrawal from their peacekeeping mission in eastern DR Congo, citing efforts to support ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Malawian forces are part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in DR Congo (SAMIDRC), deployed to help combat armed groups in the volatile region.
The decision follows the deaths of at least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 South Africans and three Malawians, during last week’s clashes as the M23 rebels captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
President Chakwera announced the withdrawal on Wednesday, stating it was intended to “honour the declaration of a ceasefire by the parties”, even though fighting continues. In a televised address, he said pulling out troops would “pave the way for planned negotiations towards lasting peace.”
SADC Leaders Push for Ceasefire
Malawi’s Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu said that the move was taken “in good faith”, following an agreement by SADC leaders in Tanzania last week. The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire to allow for peace talks.
“It is pursuant to that agreement that the president of Malawi has seen it fit to contribute to the peace-building effort by withdrawing troops from the region,” he said.
While no exact timeline was given for the withdrawal, Chakwera’s government has communicated the decision to DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and the SADC leadership.
Ceasefire Declared, But Fighting Continues
On Monday, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group declared a unilateral ceasefire for “humanitarian reasons,” which was set to take effect the following day. However, fighting has continued, with the rebels reportedly capturing the mining town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu province.
President Chakwera has faced domestic pressure to withdraw Malawian troops, especially after the deaths of peacekeepers. South Africa has faced similar calls, but President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the SAMIDRC mission, saying the deployment follows “operational timeframes and an end date.”
The mission, first deployed in 2023, was extended until December 2024. It consists of 5,000 troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, with South Africa contributing 2,900 troops, while Malawi and Tanzania share the remainder. However, the exact number of personnel currently on the ground is unclear.
SADC and East African Leaders to Meet in Tanzania
A special joint summit between SADC and East African leaders is scheduled for Saturday in Tanzania to discuss the escalating crisis in DR Congo. Both President Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, bitter rivals in the conflict, are expected to attend.
Meanwhile, Uganda has denied reports that it has deployed troops to eastern DR Congo amid the ongoing clashes.
M23 Rebels Consolidate Power
Since capturing Goma, the M23 rebels have pushed further into South Kivu, aiming to seize the provincial capital Bukavu. In response, Congolese authorities have mobilized hundreds of civilian volunteers to help defend the city.
The rebels have also begun governing captured areas, appointing top officials, including a governor for North Kivu province.
On Thursday, M23 held its first rally in Goma at Unity Stadium, where rebel leader Corneille Nangaa addressed large crowds. A military court in Kinshasa has issued an arrest warrant for Nangaa, accusing him of war crimes and treason.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The UN reports that nearly 3,000 people have been killed during the M23’s recent offensive. There are growing fears that outbreaks of Mpox and cholera could spread as the humanitarian situation worsens.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has stated that its prosecutors are closely monitoring the conflict, citing the “grave escalation of violence” over the past week.
