Plan outlined for SANDF troops withdrawal from DRC

THE phased withdrawal of SA National Defence Force (SANDF) troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been announced by Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Angie Motshekga.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

This signals a new chapter in regional peacekeeping efforts under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mandate.

During a media briefing held at the Government Communications Information Service (GCIS) yesterday, Motshekga said the decision followed extensive diplomatic engagements and notable progress in stabilising the eastern DRC, particularly around Goma and the surrounding territories of Sake.

The announcement also comes after the recent SAMIDRC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare on March 13, concluding with a consensus to gradually withdraw peacekeeping forces to allow political and diplomatic processes to take root and resolve ongoing security challenges.

The eastern DRC has long been a volatile region, plagued by clashes between government forces and various rebel groups, most notably the M23 movement.