South Africa and Its Allies Withdraw Forces from Eastern Congo

Editorial: Africa Eye

South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi have announced their decision to withdraw their forces deployed in eastern Congo. These troops were sent in 2023 under the banner of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to counter the rebellion of the March 23 Movement (M23). The decision follows growing public opposition to their presence, especially after 14 South African soldiers and three from Malawi were killed in attacks by the rebels last January. While no specific timeline for the withdrawal has been set, SADC confirmed that it will be a gradual process. Meanwhile, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized the need for all uninvited foreign forces to withdraw and participate in the ceasefire process.
These developments come as Angola prepares to host peace talks next week between the Congolese government and M23 rebels. The movement is one of nearly 100 armed groups active in eastern Congo, where the conflict has displaced more than seven million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. According to UN reports, the rebels receive support from around 4,000 armed fighters from neighboring Rwanda, with repeated threats to advance toward the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, more than 1,000 miles away.