SADC has decided to pull out its peacekeeping troops from eastern Congo. The group made this choice during an online meeting led by Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who currently heads SADC. Even though they're taking their soldiers home, SADC promises to keep watching what happens with politics and safety in eastern Congo. Mnangagwa wants everyone to speed up plans from earlier SADC and East African Community talks, including combining peace efforts started in Luanda and Nairobi.
The group considered this move for several months before deciding. They faced many problems, including ongoing fighting, limited money, and the need for better long-term peace plans. The area has seen armed groups fighting for control, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes and creating huge humanitarian needs. Mnangagwa thanked all countries that sent troops and asked for help to ensure soldiers and equipment could leave safely.
He stressed that SADC members will always stand together, saying their unity cannot be broken and must last for future generations. When he closed the meeting, he described their talks as honest and useful. The withdrawal marks a big change in how regional powers approach the ongoing crisis in Congo, which has suffered from violence for many years despite various international efforts to help.
SADC includes 16 countries that collaborate on economic growth, social development, and security issues across southern Africa. The group aims to improve people's lives across the region through joint projects and cooperation. Their decision about Congo shows how difficult it can be to solve deep-rooted conflicts, even with regional support and peacekeeping missions.
The group considered this move for several months before deciding. They faced many problems, including ongoing fighting, limited money, and the need for better long-term peace plans. The area has seen armed groups fighting for control, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes and creating huge humanitarian needs. Mnangagwa thanked all countries that sent troops and asked for help to ensure soldiers and equipment could leave safely.
He stressed that SADC members will always stand together, saying their unity cannot be broken and must last for future generations. When he closed the meeting, he described their talks as honest and useful. The withdrawal marks a big change in how regional powers approach the ongoing crisis in Congo, which has suffered from violence for many years despite various international efforts to help.
SADC includes 16 countries that collaborate on economic growth, social development, and security issues across southern Africa. The group aims to improve people's lives across the region through joint projects and cooperation. Their decision about Congo shows how difficult it can be to solve deep-rooted conflicts, even with regional support and peacekeeping missions.
