SADC leaders agreed Thursday to withdraw their soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo step by step. The decision came during a big meeting held in Harare, where Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa led talks about safety problems in eastern Congo. These regional heads expressed worry about worsening danger, especially after M23 rebels took over Goma and Bukavu cities and cut off roads needed for food and supplies.
The leaders want peace talks involving everyone instead of just fighting. They promised to keep helping Congo stay safe, as written in their 2003 defense agreement. This troop removal happens exactly when M23 fighters keep moving forward and taking important areas in both North and South Kivu provinces. Congo's government asked neighbors for stronger help against these rebels, but nearby countries think talking offers the best path to peace.
President Félix Tshisekedi from Congo joined the meeting and thanked SADC for stepping in before asking them not to forget his country. Because of these changes, his government must create new battle plans. The SADC group yelled against any attacks hurting regular people and demanded protection for those who ran from their homes. They called for the United Nations and African Union to send more help and stressed that aid trucks need clear roads to bring food and medicine.
Even though soldiers will leave, SADC promised they still care about Congo staying free and safe. They plan to find different ways to help the capital city, Kinshasa, fight M23 rebels. The group also backed joining two peace plans - Luanda and Nairobi - into one effort. They highlighted how the African Union, East African Community, and others should help create talks between fighting sides. Many people wonder if Congo's army can handle things alone or if other regional forces might replace the leaving troops. Rwanda faces growing pressure from around the world since many believe they help M23, though Rwanda says they don't and just want peace nearby.
The leaders want peace talks involving everyone instead of just fighting. They promised to keep helping Congo stay safe, as written in their 2003 defense agreement. This troop removal happens exactly when M23 fighters keep moving forward and taking important areas in both North and South Kivu provinces. Congo's government asked neighbors for stronger help against these rebels, but nearby countries think talking offers the best path to peace.
President Félix Tshisekedi from Congo joined the meeting and thanked SADC for stepping in before asking them not to forget his country. Because of these changes, his government must create new battle plans. The SADC group yelled against any attacks hurting regular people and demanded protection for those who ran from their homes. They called for the United Nations and African Union to send more help and stressed that aid trucks need clear roads to bring food and medicine.
Even though soldiers will leave, SADC promised they still care about Congo staying free and safe. They plan to find different ways to help the capital city, Kinshasa, fight M23 rebels. The group also backed joining two peace plans - Luanda and Nairobi - into one effort. They highlighted how the African Union, East African Community, and others should help create talks between fighting sides. Many people wonder if Congo's army can handle things alone or if other regional forces might replace the leaving troops. Rwanda faces growing pressure from around the world since many believe they help M23, though Rwanda says they don't and just want peace nearby.
