By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the withdrawal of Malawian troops from eastern DR Congo after a ceasefire declaration by warring parties.
A statement from the government highlighted, “President Chakwera has ordered the MDF (Malawi Defense Force) commander to begin preparations for the withdrawal of Malawian troops… to honour the declaration of a ceasefire by the warring parties there and to pave way for their planned negotiations towards a lasting peace.”
This follows a new offensive by M23 rebels, who resumed their advance towards Bukavu, a city of one million people.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, “the M23 armed group launched a new offensive on Wednesday,” continuing the conflict.
Chakwera will attend a summit in Tanzania with regional leaders on Saturday to discuss the situation.
