This comes after SADC took a decision to terminate the deployment of troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
 

The withdrawal of SADC troops in the eastern part of the DRC will be done in phases.  This announcement was well received by M23 movement in Goma, DRC.

The organisation has also responded to reports that the Angolan President will be hosting a meeting between the government of DRC and the M23.

In its response, the group says while they accept the initiative, President Felix Tshisekedi must make a public statement committing himself to the direct talks.

Peace negotiations

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also welcomed a decision taken by the summit. He says a ceasefire and talks in the DRC are the only options that will bring peace.

President Ramaphosa says the African Union Chairperson and Angolan President, João Lourenço will lead the negotiations to find lasting peace in the DRC.

” Decision to finally withdraw from the eastern DRC by the three troop contributing countries is also based on the fact that the ceasefire that we have sort to install in that place is now being embraced and we are going to see a ceasefire eventuating and getting the negotiations under way under the leadership of President Lourenço assisted by a number of facilitators.”

--SABC--