SADC troops will withdraw as the M23 rebels gain ground

The leaders of southern Africa have announced that they will take their troops from the Democratic Republic of the East of the Congo, where they have been helping the Government to fight against the rebel forces.

The decision to initiate a “stages withdrawal” was taken during a virtual summit of the Southern Development Community of 16 members (SADC) on Thursday.

The troops were sent two years ago to support the Congolese army fighting the M23 rebels backed by Rwanda.

But at least 19 soldiers from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania were killed when the M23 captured the key rubber city in January.

SADC leaders said that even though the troops will be removed from DR Congo, the block would continue to “support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace.”

The M23 has continued to gain ground in the east of the DR Conggo and last month he seized the second largest city in the region, Bukavu.