Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has directed the country’s military to begin preparations for pulling out from their peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following recent violence in the region.
Malawian troops are part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) military mission, known as SAMIDRC, which was deployed to assist in tackling armed groups in the region.
The decision follows the deaths of at least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 South Africans and three Malawians, during the recent capture of Goma by M23 rebels.
President Chakwera stated that the move was intended to support efforts towards a ceasefire, despite ongoing clashes in the region. He said the withdrawal would allow space for planned negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Malawi’s Information Minister, Moses Kunkuyu, explained that the decision was made in line with a resolution by SADC leaders during a recent meeting in Tanzania.
“It is pursuant to that agreement that the president of Malawi has seen it fit to contribute to the peace-building effort by withdrawing troops from the region so that there is that peaceful negotiation,” he said.
The leaders had called for all parties in the conflict to halt fighting and create conditions for peaceful negotiations. While he did not specify the timeline for the withdrawal, Kunkuyu said operational details were being finalised, and both the Congolese government and the regional bloc had been informed.
The M23 rebel group declared a unilateral ceasefire on Monday, citing humanitarian reasons, but fighting has continued.
The rebels have reportedly advanced further, seizing the mining town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu province.
President Chakwera has been under increasing pressure to pull Malawian troops out of the conflict, particularly following the recent fatalities.
South Africa is facing similar calls, but President Cyril Ramaphosa has insisted that his country’s troops will remain in line with SAMIDRC’s operational mandate, which has been extended until December 2024.
Since taking control of Goma, M23 has pushed further into South Kivu, with Bukavu seen as a key target.
Authorities in DR Congo have mobilised hundreds of civilian volunteers to help defend the city. Meanwhile, the rebel group has appointed officials, including a governor, to administer captured territories.
The UN estimates that nearly 3,000 people were killed in the battle for Goma. Concerns are growing over the possible spread of diseases such as Mpox and cholera, which could worsen the humanitarian crisis.
