Leaders from Southern African nations have declared their intention to withdraw their troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where they have been aiding the government in its battle against insurgent groups.

This choice to initiate a “phased withdrawal” was resolved upon during a virtual meeting of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), which comprises 16 member states, on Thursday.

The military forces were dispatched to the region two years ago to bolster the Congolese army in its conflict with the M23 rebels, who are supported by Rwanda.

However, the operation has been marred by tragedy, as at least 19 soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania lost their lives when the M23 captured the strategic city of Goma in January.

Despite the decision to draw down their military presence in DR Congo, the Sadc leaders affirm their commitment to continuing support for initiatives aimed at securing a lasting peace in the region.

The conflict has seen the M23 rebels continuing to advance in eastern DR Congo, with the group recently seizing Bukavu, the second-largest city in the region.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05m013rppjo