African Leaders Initiate Strategic Troop Withdrawal from Eastern Congo Amid Rising Tensions

African leaders announced a phased military withdrawal from eastern Congo, involving troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi, deployed against insurgencies by M23 rebels. The decision follows increasing opposition and the deaths of peacekeepers. Dialogue and further peace talks are emphasized to resolve ongoing conflicts.

African leaders have decided to withdraw thousands of troops stationed in eastern Congo, a region struggling with insurgency and violence orchestrated by M23 rebels. The troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi were initially deployed under the Southern African Development Community's mandate.

The decision for withdrawal comes amidst growing public backlash following the deaths of 14 South African and three Malawian peacekeepers. A virtual meeting of the 16-member bloc, which includes Congo, led to the announcement, with peace talks between the Congolese government and M23 rebels set to occur next week in Angola.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized the phased troop withdrawal and stressed the need for non-invited forces in the conflict to pull out. The withdrawal follows M23's recent territorial advancements, which have exacerbated humanitarian crises in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)