The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday strongly denied claims made by the M23 rebel group and its allies, alleging that the SADC's mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) participated in joint military operations in the eastern city of Goma.
The SADC expressed “deep concern” over the accusations, which had suggested SAMIDRC's involvement in military actions alongside the Congolese military (FARDC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and the pro-government Wazalendo militia.
In a statement, the SADC clarified that SAMIDRC had not taken part in any joint operations as alleged, calling these claims "inaccurate and misleading." The bloc reaffirmed that SAMIDRC is in the process of carrying out a “structured and coordinated” withdrawal from Congo, in accordance with the decision made by the SADC Summit to terminate the SAMIDRC mission's mandate.
The SADC also reiterated its commitment to supporting peaceful efforts for lasting stability in eastern Congo and its agreements with the M23 leadership. It urged all parties involved to “act responsibly, refrain from spreading misinformation, and work together to de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the region.”
Since January, eastern Congo has been embroiled in a security and humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by a renewed offensive from the M23 rebel group, which has captured significant territory in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.
The DRC, along with other nations, accuses neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, though Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations. In March, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met unexpectedly in Doha, where Qatar's emir mediated talks that led to calls for a ceasefire.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo’s president has pledged to pursue justice for victims of the conflict in the east despite a peace deal with Rwanda, calling the accord a hopeful yet fragile step toward regional stability.
The UN has welcomed a U.S.-brokered peace deal between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, calling it a major step toward regional stability.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement, raising hopes of ending fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands this year.
The US will host the official signing of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, the State Department announced Friday.
Scores of demonstrators gathered outside the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo Tuesday (9 December) to protest against the awarding of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
Authorities in Japan lifted all tsunami warnings on Tuesday following a strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck off the northeastern coast late on Monday, injuring at least 30 people and forcing around 90,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
Pressure is mounting between Venezuela and the United States as both nations emphasise military preparedness and strategic positioning.
Tehran has protested to Washington because of the travel ban on its football team delegation as well as Iranian fans who would like to travel to the United States for the upcoming World Cup matches in 2026.
Iran and Saudi Arabia reiterated their commitment to enhance ties following a joint meeting with China in Tehran on Tuesday to follow up on implementation of the 2023 Beijing Agreement which resulted in resumption of their diplomatic relations after eight years.
Hate speech targeting Muslims and Christians in India surged by 74% in 2024, driven by election-season rhetoric and unrest in neighboring Bangladesh, according to a new report from the India Hate Lab, a Washington-based research organization.
At least 19 people were killed and 16 injured as two buildings collapased in Morocco's Fes city according to the state news agency.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 10th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The world’s leading minds and voices will be honoured on Wednesday, 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death, as Nobel Prizes are presented in Stockholm and Oslo.
Artillery fire and ground skirmishes have erupted this week along the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia, shattering a fragile ceasefire and displacing tens of thousands of civilians in the worst outbreak of violence between the neighbours in years.
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