In a significant development that has elicited mixed reactions throughout the region, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera announced in early February 2025 the decision to withdraw Malawian troops from their ongoing peacekeeping missions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This announcement coincided with a recently declared ceasefire by various warring factions in the DRC, notably including the infamous M23 rebel group, which has been a primary source of instability in the region.
The decision to pull out Malawian forces is not without its repercussions. It raises pressing concerns regarding the safety and welfare of the soldiers involved the peacekeeping missions like DRC’s fraught with danger, marked by sporadic violence and hostility from rebel factions.
Additionally, the withdrawal prompts deeper questions about Malawi’s commitment to fostering regional stability and its responsibilities in international diplomatic efforts to resolve conflict.
In this analysis, Malawi Spotlight team delves into the intricate backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the DRC, examining historical grievances and the socio-political landscape that has led to persistent unrest.
We will also unpack the implications of Malawi’s tactical retreat, assessing how this move may impact not only the DRC but also Malawi’s position within the broader context of international peacekeeping and its relations with other nations involved in the DRC crisis.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a critical case study on the challenges facing peacekeeping missions worldwide, illustrating the delicate balance between national interests and the imperative of global cooperation for peace.
The Context: A Decades-Long Conflict in the DRC
To understand the significance of Malawi’s troop withdrawal, we must first grasp the historical and geopolitical complexities of the conflict in the DRC.
The eastern region of the DRC, rich in minerals such as gold and coltan, has been a hotbed of violence for over three decades.
The roots of the current conflict can be traced back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which saw an influx of Hutu refugees into the DRC that exacerbated ethnic tensions and leading to the formation of numerous armed groups, including the M23 rebels.
The M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, claims to fight for the protection of their community’s rights.
However, their actions have been marred by accusations of war crimes and human rights violations.
The group’s rapid advance in early 2025, culminating in the capture of key cities like Goma and Bukavu, has plunged the region into a humanitarian crisis, with reports of food shortages, overwhelmed hospitals, and widespread displacement.
Malawi’s Role in the SADC Mission
Malawi’s involvement in the DRC is part of a broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission, known as SAMIDRC, which includes troops from South Africa and Tanzania.
The mission, authorised in May 2023, aims to assist the DRC government in countering insurgent groups like the M23.
However, the mission has faced significant challenges, with at least 20 peacekeepers, including three Malawians, killed in recent clashes.
President Chakwera’s decision to withdraw Malawian troops was framed as a response to the ceasefire declaration by the M23 and other warring parties.
In a statement reported by Reuters, Chakwera emphasised that the withdrawal was intended to “honour the declaration of a ceasefire” and “pave the way for planned negotiations towards a lasting peace.”
This move, while ostensibly aimed at supporting peace efforts, has been met with mixed reactions.
Some view it as a prudent step towards de-escalation, while others fear it could create a power vacuum, emboldening insurgent groups.
The Dilemma: Soldier Safety vs. Regional Stability
The decision to withdraw troops from a conflict zone is never taken lightly, especially when it involves a peacekeeping mission with regional and international implications.
On one hand, the safety of Malawian soldiers is paramount. The loss of three Malawian peacekeepers in January 2025, as reported by Nation Online, underscores the dangers faced by troops in the DRC.
President Chakwera’s decision to prioritise the lives of his soldiers is understandable, particularly in light of the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
On the other hand, the withdrawal raises concerns about Malawi’s commitment to regional stability and its role within the SADC.
The SADC mission in the DRC is a collective effort, and Malawi’s departure could strain relations with other member states, particularly South Africa, which has vowed to keep its troops in the region.
As BBC News reported, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of adhering to the SAMIDRC mission’s operational timeframes, despite the mounting casualties.
Moreover, the withdrawal could have broader implications for Malawi’s foreign policy.
As a member of the SADC, Malawi has a vested interest in promoting peace and stability in the region. The decision to pull out troops, even in the context of a ceasefire, could be perceived as a lack of commitment to these goals.
As Malawi Ace noted, the withdrawal has been received with “mixed sentiments,” with some viewing it as a necessary step towards peace-building, while others worry about the potential consequences for regional security.
Lessons for International Peacekeeping Missions
The situation in the DRC offers several key lessons for international peacekeeping missions, particularly those led by the United Nations (UN) and regional organisations like the SADC.
First and foremost, the safety of peacekeepers must be a top priority. The deaths of Malawian and South African soldiers in the DRC highlight the risks faced by troops in conflict zones.
As we have seen, the loss of life can lead to domestic pressure for withdrawal, as was the case with Malawi.
To mitigate these risks, peacekeeping missions must be equipped with adequate resources, intelligence, and support to ensure the safety of their personnel.
Second, the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions depends on clear mandates and achievable objectives.
The SAMIDRC mission, while well-intentioned, has struggled to halt the advance of the M23 rebels. This raises questions about the mission’s strategy and whether it has the necessary resources and support to achieve its goals.
As Xinhua reported, the SADC mission was initially deployed in response to the “continued unstable and deteriorating security situation” in eastern DRC.
However, the ongoing violence suggests that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict, including ethnic tensions and the exploitation of natural resources.
Third, international peacekeeping missions must be accompanied by robust diplomatic efforts to address the underlying causes of conflict.
The ceasefire declared by the M23, while a positive development, is unlikely to lead to lasting peace without meaningful negotiations and political solutions. As BBC News noted, the M23 has a history of breaking ceasefire agreements, and the current truce may be no different.
To achieve lasting peace, the international community must work with the DRC government and regional actors to address the grievances of all parties involved, including the M23 and other armed groups.
The Role of the United Nations in the DRC
The UN has played a significant role in the DRC since the establishment of its peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, in 1999.
However, the mission has faced criticism for its perceived failure to protect civilians and bring stability to the region.
As BBC News reported, President Félix Tshisekedi had initially called for MONUSCO’s withdrawal, deeming it a failure. While the mission’s mandate was extended for another year in December 2024, its effectiveness remains in question.
One of the key challenges facing MONUSCO is the limited scope of its mandate. Only the Force Intervention Brigade is authorized to carry out offensive operations against armed groups, which has hindered the mission’s ability to respond to the rapidly evolving conflict.
To enhance the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions, there must be greater flexibility in their mandates, allowing them to adapt to changing circumstances on the ground.
Additionally, the UN must work more closely with regional organisations like the SADC to coordinate peacekeeping efforts.
The SAMIDRC mission, while separate from MONUSCO, operates in the same region and faces similar challenges.
Greater coordination between the two missions could lead to more effective outcomes, particularly in addressing the root causes of the conflict and supporting political solutions.
Final Thoughts: A Delicate Balance
Malawi’s recent announcement to withdraw its military personnel from the DRC highlights the intricate balance that nations must strike between ensuring the safety of their troops and upholding their commitments to regional security and international diplomacy.
This decision, albeit pragmatic in light of safeguarding Malawian soldiers, prompts significant considerations regarding the future efficacy of peacekeeping missions not just in the DRC but in other global hotspots as well.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC is entrenched in a complex tapestry of historical grievances, ethnic divisions, and geopolitical dynamics that military interventions alone cannot resolve.
To forge a path toward lasting peace, it is imperative that the international community adopts a robust approach focused on diplomatic engagement while addressing the root causes fueling the unrest.
This includes fostering inclusive dialogue among various stakeholders, implementing sustainable development initiatives, and ensuring that peacekeeping forces possess both the necessary resources and clear mandates to navigate the challenging landscape effectively.
In this context, Malawi’s troop withdrawal poignantly illustrates the human cost often associated with peacekeeping endeavours. It serves as a crucial reminder of the pressing need for enhanced international collaboration to tackle the multifaceted challenges inherent in conflict resolution.
As President Lazarus Chakwera remarked, the government’s decision to withdraw its soldiers was taken “in good faith,” aimed at reinforcing peace-building initiatives within a volatile environment.
Whether this strategic withdrawal enhances the prospects for enduring peace in the DRC remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, it accentuates the delicate interplay between safeguarding the lives of military personnel and advancing the overarching objectives of regional stability and constructive international relations.
