The Southern African Development Community rejected claims from M23 rebels about its peacekeeping forces fighting alongside government troops in eastern Congo. SADC officials called these allegations false Monday after the rebel group said SADC soldiers joined attacks against them near Goma on April 11. The regional organization stated its mission never participated in such operations. SADC explained that its forces currently follow a planned withdrawal from Congo as directed by member countries. The regional bloc said it remains committed to peace talks held with M23 leaders late March.
SADC asked all parties involved to avoid spreading wrong information about the conflict. They urged everyone to help calm tensions in the troubled region instead. The statement comes as M23 insists it fought off attacks from groups supporting the Congolese government. Both Congo military officials and the SADC have firmly denied taking part in any recent offensive operations. The 16-nation organization has served as a peacekeeper in Congo since late 2023 but has started removing its troops from the country.
SADC asked all parties involved to avoid spreading wrong information about the conflict. They urged everyone to help calm tensions in the troubled region instead. The statement comes as M23 insists it fought off attacks from groups supporting the Congolese government. Both Congo military officials and the SADC have firmly denied taking part in any recent offensive operations. The 16-nation organization has served as a peacekeeper in Congo since late 2023 but has started removing its troops from the country.
