WeeklySA_AdminBREAKTHROUGH: Top Congolese security officials’ visit to the country to strengthen military cooperation coincides with a peace deal to ensure withdrawal of regional peacekeeping force from DRC…
By Len Maseko and Own Correspondents
GOMA, DR Congo – M23 rebel leaders today signed an agreement with Southern African military chiefs to facilitate the withdrawal of the regional bloc’s peacekeeping force from the war-ravaged eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
A communique was signed in Goma by Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces Major General Ibrahim Mhona on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission and Major-General Sultani Makenga, military coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC/M23).
While the two parties signed the pact, a top DRC security delegation concluded talks with their South African counterparts to strengthen defence ties between the two countries after week-long deliberations, which ended today.
In terms of the agreement sealed in Goma, the 16-nation SADC will assist in the repair of Goma International Airport to facilitate the withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which includes SA National Defence Force troops. The development follows a decision by the regional bloc a fortnight ago to end its military deployment in the DRC. The meeting, held at the Serena Hotel in Goma in eastern DRC, was attended by senior military officials from South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania. They included SANDF chief Rudzani Maphwanya and Bahati Musanga Erasto, governor of North Kivu Province.
Deployed in December 2023, the SADC mission comprises troops from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania, tasked with assisting the DRC armed forces (FARDC) in combating armed groups in the country’s eastern region.
However, the mission suffered casualties, raising concerns over its effectiveness amid escalating violence. Earlier this month, the SADC announced the termination of the deployment.
According to M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the withdrawal will be carried out through Goma International Airport. A ceasefire was also proposed during the ceremony to ensure the successful departure of the troops.
“SADC will assist us in restoring Goma Airport to operational condition in the coming days,” Kanyuka said. “Together, we will establish a joint team to assess the current state of the airport, which remains damaged at this stage”.
The M23 has agreed to facilitate the immediate withdrawal of SADC troops along with their weapons and equipment, while SAMIDRC is required to return any FARDC-owned arms currently in its possession. A follow-up meeting between SADC and the M23 is scheduled, thoaugh the date and location remain undetermined.
The 16-nation SADC has suffered severe casualties in the eastern DRC since January of this year, with 14 SANDF troops killed and many others injured during heavy fighting in the Goma. Meanwhile, in a move to bolster regional security, South Africa has hosted the DRC delegation at the Pretoria Defence Headquarters and in Cape Town since last Saturday. This six-day engagement marks a significant stride in enhancing bilateral defence relations, according to a SANDF communique.
Leading the DRC delegation to South Africa is Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence and Veterans, and is accompanied by a team of high-ranking officials, who have been engaging in high-level discussions aimed at deepening military cooperation.
The visit by the Congolese delegation aims “to strengthen technical and training capabilities, with a focus on special operations, rapid reaction, naval, and aviation expertise”. Both nations have committed to advancing their defence industries through collaborative logistics and material acquisition, facilitated by the Aerospace Maritime Defence Association. This partnership seeks to ensure effective monitoring of progress and skill transfers between the two countries.
The SANDF communique adds: “A critical aspect of the dialogue is the cooperation on Defence Intelligence and Medical Assistance, including the training of medical practitioners. Additionally, a comprehensive review and reform of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Military Strategy for 2026 to 2030 is on the agenda, underscoring a shared vision for future security”.
The visit, hosted by South Africa’s Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, is to forge collaboration between the two countries towards achieving lasting peace and security in a complex geopolitical landscape. Since its resurgence in late 2021, the M23 has captured large swathes of territory in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. According to Bintou Keita, the UN Secretary-General's special representative in the DRC, the M23 rebels may expand into Tshopo and Maniema provinces after establishing parallel administrations in North and South Kivu.
Yesterday, she told the UN Security Council that the M23 has continued its westward offensive, reaching Walikale in North Kivu, the farthest west it has advanced since its rapid territorial gains in January. The rebels seized the town a week earlier, pushing to within 400km of Kisangani, the country’s fourth-largest city and the capital of Tshopo province.
Eastern DRC remains a conflict hotspot due to its rich mineral wealth, with many armed groups vying for control of coltan, tin, tantalum and gold. According to the UN, about one million people, including around 400 000 children, have been displaced since late January. The number is expected to rise as hostilities persist in North and South Kivu. – Additional reporting by Xinhua, Chimpreports and DefenceW
