Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the military to prepare for withdrawal from their peacekeeping mission in eastern DR Congo, following the deaths of peacekeepers during M23 rebel attacks.
The decision aims to honor a ceasefire agreement and facilitate peace negotiations. The withdrawal follows a resolution passed by southern African leaders for a ceasefire and peaceful talks. Despite this, fighting continues, with the M23 rebels advancing in South Kivu.
While Malawi pulls out, South Africa plans to maintain its peacekeepers under the SAMIDRC mission, which is set to conclude in December. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and a humanitarian crisis.