Malawi withdraws from DR Congo fight
Malawi has decided to withdraw its soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they have been part of a regional peacekeeping mission.
President Lazarus Chakwera made the announcement, saying this would support efforts for a ceasefire and peace talks.
This comes amidst the ongoing eastern DR Congo conflict.
Malawian troops are in DR Congo as part of a military force sent by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to help the Congolese government fight armed groups.
In recent weeks, the situation has become more dangerous. The M23 rebel group, which is believed to have support from Rwanda, has captured several areas, including the key city of Goma.
During the fighting, at least 20 soldiers from the SADC mission, including three from Malawi, lost their lives.
President Chakwera said pulling out troops was a step toward encouraging peace talks, even though clashes are still happening.
Malawi’s information minister said the decision was made after a meeting of regional leaders, where they called for a ceasefire.
South Africa, which leads the peacekeeping mission, has also faced pressure to withdraw its troops but President Cyril Ramaphosa has insisted they will stay, saying the mission has a set timeline and objectives.
SADC had originally deployed about 5,000 troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, though it is unclear how many remain on the ground.
Malawi also has some soldiers serving under the United Nations peacekeeping force in DR Congo, separate from the SADC mission.
Regional leaders will meet in Tanzania this weekend to discuss the crisis as the situation in eastern DR Congo worsens.
Both DR Congo’s president, Félix Tshisekedi, and Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame, are expected to attend amidst accusations and counter-accusations from leaders of both countries. DR Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a charge Rwanda denies.
The M23 rebels have declared a ceasefire, but fighting has continued. They have also appointed leaders to govern North Kivu, the region they have taken over.
Meanwhile, the Congolese government is calling on civilians to help defend their cities.
Thousands of people have been killed, and there are growing fears of disease outbreaks, including cholera and Mpox.
The International Criminal Court says it is closely monitoring the violence.
