Troops deployed to to eastern DRC, Nandi-Ndaitwah

Deputy prime minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the SADC Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) have been deployed to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

She said this during the extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) and the SADC Troika, the FIB troop contributing countries, the SADC Mission in Mozambique personnel contributing countries, and the Republic of Mozambique on 10 July.

This is part of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC carrying the aim of securing this part of the country and restoring its overall territorial integrity.

“I would like to express our collective gratitude to the Troop Contributing Countries of the FIB and the personnel that have enabled SADC to be part of this multi-national effort aimed at consolidating peace and security in the DRC over these years,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

She said despite efforts, the committee is still confronted with changing dynamics in eastern DRC, mainly the resurgence of the M23, proliferation of illegal armed groups, some of which launch attacks against civilians, state security agencies and public infrastructure.

These hindrances on resources are causing untold human suffering in the eastern DRC, and further represents a security threat to elections expected in the country at the end of 2023.

“SADC, therefore, initiated the process towards a coordinated approach for all the peace processes initiated over the last years,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

According to the deputy prime minister, the security situation in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, is under control.

The SADC Mission in Mozambique, the Mozambican Army and Friendly Forces, have largely neutralised the terrorists and have confined them to a small area, according to Nandi-Ndaitwah.

“Although the terrorists are trying to find new ways to advance their movement, livelihoods of the citizens of Cabo Delgado have been restored,” she said.