By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The M23 rebel group signed an agreement with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to facilitate the withdrawal of the regional bloc’s remaining military personnel stationed in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) comprises troops from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania, tasked with assisting the DRC armed forces (FARDC) in combating armed groups in the country’s eastern region.
The agreement was dated Friday 28 March and covers outcomes “of the engagement between the chief of defence forces of the Southern African Development Community and leadership of Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 Mars.”
The meeting took place at the Serena Hotel in Goma and was attended by General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the SA National Defence Force; Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele, Zambian Army Commander; Major General Saiford Kalisha, Malawi Defence Force representative; Professor Kula Theletsane, Director: Organ on Politics Defence and Security Affairs at the SADC; and Bahati Musanga Erasto, Governor of North Kivu Province, in addition to Mhona and Makenga.
“The meeting noted commitments from both parties on the cessation of hostilities cease fire and unconditional withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops,” according to the communique. The meeting also agreed that the AFC/M23 will facilitate the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops with their weapons and equipment, leaving behind all the DRC government (FARDC) weapons and equipment in their possession.
The AFC/M23 will coordinate SAMIDRC freedom of movement in preparation for withdrawal. Both parties will assess the status of Goma International Airport in readiness for reopening, with the SADC to assist in the repair of the airport to facilitate the SAMIDRC withdrawal.
“The meeting expressed gratitude to the SADC and the AFC/M23 leadership for the efforts to make the engagement possible towards a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict. The meeting expressed its appreciation to both parties towards the implementation of the agreed commitments,” the communique concluded.
A follow-up meeting between the SADC and AFC/M23 is planned in the future.
Video and photos circulated online show SADC and AFC/M23 commanders meeting, and SAMIDRC soldiers celebrating the signing of the agreement.
Two weeks ago, the SADC announced its decision to withdraw the SAMIDRC force from the eastern DRC, opting for a phased withdrawal.
Leaders from the 16-nation SADC have lost at least a dozen soldiers in the eastern DRC since January of this year.
Locally, 14 members of the SANDF lost their lives, and many others sustained injuries as fighting in the Goma region intensified between 23 and 27 January.
Since its resurgence in late 2021, the M23 has captured territory in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including the city of Goma.