Malawi's President Initiates Troop Withdrawal from Congo
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Synopsis
Malawi's President, Lazarus Chakwera, has ordered the withdrawal of troops from the eastern DRC as part of a ceasefire agreement. The decision aims to foster peace negotiations and enhance regional stability amidst a humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- President Lazarus Chakwera orders troop withdrawal.
- Malawian forces part of Southern African Development Community mission.
- Decision aims to honor ceasefire and promote peace talks.
- UN Secretary-General calls for urgent resolution of the crisis.
- Thousands displaced, dire humanitarian conditions reported.
Lilongwe, Feb 7 (NationPress) The President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, has directed Defence Force Commander Paul Valentino Phiri to commence the process of withdrawing Malawian military personnel from the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Malawian forces are involved in a mission under the Southern African Development Community to assist the DRC government in combating rebel factions in the eastern region.
An official online announcement stated that the President's decision was made "to honor the ceasefire declaration by the conflicting parties in the DRC and to facilitate upcoming negotiations aimed at achieving sustainable peace that will restore stability to the Southern African Development Community region," as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for increased efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in the eastern DRC.
During a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres described the conditions in the DRC as "deeply troubling."
Clashes between the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group and the Congolese military intensified in January. The rebels claimed to have seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a critical regional center, before advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC is causing a significant humanitarian crisis, resulting in thousands of fatalities and displacing hundreds of thousands of individuals.
According to Guterres, the humanitarian conditions in and around Goma are dire, stating, "The conflict persists in South Kivu and threatens to engulf the entire region."
"My message is unequivocal: Silence the guns. Cease the escalation. Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Adhere to international human rights laws and humanitarian laws," stated Guterres.
Emphasizing that there is no military solution to the crisis, the UN chief added, "It is time for mediation. It is time to conclude this crisis. It is time for peace."
He called on all stakeholders, including neighboring nations, subregional organizations, the African Union, and the United Nations, to actively and constructively contribute to ending the conflict.
Guterres made this peace appeal ahead of the upcoming African Union summit regarding the DRC situation in Addis Ababa, where he is anticipated to participate next week.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that over 900 individuals have lost their lives, with nearly 3,000 sustaining injuries.
Thousands have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in neighboring Rwanda, including personnel from international organizations such as the UN and the World Bank.
The M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire following their clashes with the Congolese armed forces for control over Goma.
