Leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened at an extraordinary summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, where they made the critical decision to terminate the mandate of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and initiate a phased withdrawal of troops.
Image: Phando Jikelo/Independent Newspapers
THE phased withdrawal of troops deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the volatile Democratic Republic of Congo must be handled with the utmost care, says the South African Defence Union (SANDU).
"While SANDU generally refrains from commenting on development decisions, we acknowledge this development with relief, particularly for the SANDF personnel who remain in a precarious situation. Over the past two months, they have endured immense hardship, and we welcome any steps that will ensure their safe return.
"SANDU trusts that concrete plans and negotiations are underway to facilitate an orderly and secure withdrawal. However, we caution that this phase of the process is highly sensitive and must be handled with the utmost care,” said the union’s secretary Pikkie Greeff.
The decision was announced on Thursday during an extraordinary SADC summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The summit, attended by numerous heads of state, including South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC.
The escalating violence in the region led to the killing of 18 SADC troops, including 14 from South Africa, in clashes with M23 rebels.
In a statement, the SADC leaders expressed grave concern over the recent capture of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu by M23 rebels, which has severely hindered humanitarian efforts and complicated the conflict landscape.
While the withdrawal is planned in phases, the SADC emphasised its commitment to remain engaged with the political and security developments in the DRC.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi said: “The security situation in eastern DRC is worrisome and continues to be a concern for the region. The attacks by the M23 Armed Group against DRC Government Forces, SAMIDRC Troops, and the civilian population, and the subsequent capture of various cities and towns in the area, have resulted in the loss of lives and injuries, and led to a sharp increase in internally displaced persons, forcing many people, particularly women, children, the elderly and disabled, to flee their homes.
"The situation is compounded by the blockade of main supply routes and the capture by the M23 Armed Group of both Goma International Airport and Kavumu Airport in Bukavu. An urgent diplomatic intervention is, therefore, needed to open these airports to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance and allow SADC and its structures to find an immediate and workable solution for our Mission.”
The decision to dissolve the mission follows weeks of speculation and public outcry regarding its effectiveness.
Experts, including Darren Olivier, Director of the African Defence Review, welcomed the decision to withdraw SAMIDRC forces, noting that the mission’s mandate had become untenable following M23's capture of Goma.
“It has been clear for some time that the mission should be ended and the troops withdrawn. An orderly withdrawal, with equipment intact, is crucial as part of the broader East Africa Community-SADC negotiations,” the Defense Web reported.
Cape Times