Southern Africa bloc, M23 agree on regional force withdrawal from DR Congo: Video

Name: Southern Africa bloc, M23 agree on regional force withdrawal from DR Congo: Video
Uploaded: 2025-03-29T17:32:37.590Z
Duration: PT48.306S
Description: The M23 armed group has reached an agreement with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on the withdrawal of the bloc’s military forces from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where conflict has claimed the lives of more than a dozen regional soldiers.

FILE PHOTO: Meeting organised by M23 at the Stade de L'Unite in Goma

FILE PHOTO: M23 rebels stand guard during a meeting organised by the M23 at the Stade de l'Unite, after the town of Goma was taken by the M23 rebels, in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, February 6, 2025. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi/File Photo

Source: REUTERS

The M23 armed group has reached an agreement with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on the withdrawal of the bloc’s military forces from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where conflict has claimed the lives of more than a dozen regional soldiers.

The decision follows a summit earlier this month where SADC leaders resolved to end the deployment amid escalating violence in the region.

Lawrence Kanyuka, the spokesperson for M23, confirmed the agreement, emphasizing the need for an immediate withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) troops from Goma.

“We had a meeting with the SADC concerning the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from Goma. We also discussed the reopening of Goma airport, which, as you are well aware, is badly damaged by bombs and mines left behind by the Kinshasa regime,” Kanyuka told the AFP.

Kanyuka further stated that SADC has committed to assisting with repairs at Goma airport to facilitate the withdrawal of its troops as soon as possible.

“The SADC has decided to help us repair Goma airport so that it can open as quickly as possible and allow for the withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops,” he added.

The DRC government has long accused neighboring Rwanda of backing M23 to gain control over the region’s rich mineral resources and fertile lands. While Rwanda denies providing direct military support to M23, a United Nations experts’ report has indicated that Rwanda maintains an estimated 4,000 troops in eastern DRC assisting the armed group.

SAMIDRC, comprising troops from Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa, was deployed in December 2023 to support the DRC government in its efforts to restore peace and security.

Etornam Kornu