Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has announced the start of preparations for his country’s military withdrawal from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The Malawian troops have been part of a southern African regional bloc’s peacekeeping mission (SAMIDRC) aimed at stabilising the volatile region and helping to combat armed rebel groups.
However, the decision comes following a deadly week in the region, as at least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 South Africans and three Malawians, were killed when M23 rebels took control of the strategic city of Goma, North Kivu province.
In a televised statement on Wednesday evening, President Chakwera explained that the withdrawal order was intended to honour the declaration of a ceasefire by the conflicting parties. Despite ongoing clashes, the president believes that pulling the troops will facilitate peace talks aimed at a long-term resolution.
“We must pave the way for negotiations towards lasting peace,” said Chakwera, underlining that Malawi’s contribution to peace-building efforts will continue through diplomatic avenues.
Malawi’s Information Minister, Moses Kunkuyu, echoed this sentiment, stating that the withdrawal was being “made in good faith.” He explained that southern African leaders had met last week in Tanzania during the Africa Energy Summit and agreed on a resolution calling for a ceasefire to pave the way for peaceful negotiations. Kunkuyu further clarified that the decision to withdraw was part of this regional peace effort.
The exact timeline for the pullback of Malawian troops has not been disclosed, though President Chakwera mentioned that only “operational aspects” remained to be worked out. The decision has already been communicated to DR Congo’s president and the southern African bloc.
The withdrawal comes on the heels of a ceasefire announcement by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. They declared a temporary ceasefire for “humanitarian reasons” on Monday, with the ceasefire set to begin the following day. However, fighting has resumed since then, and the rebels have reportedly taken control of the mining town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu.
The decision to withdraw Malawian troops follows growing pressure after the deaths of peacekeepers. Many are questioning the efficacy and safety of the peacekeeping mission. South Africa, which has also lost peacekeepers in the conflict, has faced similar pressure. However, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to keep South African troops in DR Congo, asserting that they remain part of the SAMIDRC mission, which has a set end date in December this year.
The M23 rebel group has continued its campaign in South Kivu, particularly targeting the capital, Bukavu. In response, the Congolese authorities have enlisted hundreds of local civilian volunteers to help defend the city. The M23 has also appointed several officials to administer the territories it has captured, including a governor for North Kivu.
The conflict has taken a staggering toll, with the UN reporting nearly 3,000 deaths from the M23’s violent offensive, and there are growing concerns about the spread of diseases such as Mpox and cholera. As the fighting continues, the hope for a ceasefire and long-term peace remains uncertain
