African leaders on Thursday confirmed plans to withdraw thousands of troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi who were deployed to combat insurgencies in eastern Congo.
The mineral-rich region has been plagued by M23 rebel attacks, resulting in casualties among peacekeepers and significant territorial losses this year.
Troops were deployed in 2023 under the mandate of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
However, public opposition to the mission has intensified following the deaths of 14 South African and three Malawian soldiers in January.
Meanwhile, SADC Heads of State convened on Thursday to discuss the worsening security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The extraordinary meeting, chaired by Zimbabwean President and current SADC Chair Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, concluded with a decision to implement a phased troop withdrawal.
Leaders also emphasised the need for a strengthened diplomatic approach, particularly through merging the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, to ensure lasting peace and long-term stability in the region.
Source: WAVN