The deployment of Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to fight the M23 rebel group and other armed groups in the east of the country is underway. According to Lieutenant-Colonel Guillaume Njike Kaiko, spokesperson for Operation Sokola 2, military contingents from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania are in the process of joining the field of intervention.
This commitment follows the signing of the SADC Force Status Agreement on November 17, with the strong support of the Congolese government. The main objective of this initiative is to support the Congolese armed forces in their fight against the M23 and armed groups that disrupt peace and stability in the region.
The SADC deployment comes after the withdrawal of the East African Community (EAC) regional force. Faced with persistent security challenges in eastern DRC, the Congolese government has requested assistance and collaboration from SADC to find a more effective solution.
The arrival of military contingents from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania marks the official start of this regional intervention. However, no precise details on the number of troops deployed or the areas of intervention have yet been disclosed.
This SADC initiative is part of the collective security and mutual defense pact of the region. It aims to strengthen the capacity of the Congolese armed forces and to cooperate with them to neutralize armed groups and restore peace and stability in eastern DRC.
The deployment of SADC forces in the DRC illustrates the regional and international commitment to supporting countries facing significant security challenges. It is essential to work together to end the activities of armed groups and promote development and stability in the region.