SADC troops to download when the M23 rebels earn a reason

South African leaders have announced that they will bring out their troops from the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where they help government fights fight the rebels.

The decision to launch a “gradual withdrawal” was taken during a virtual summit of the 16-member community for the development of South Africa (SADC) on Thursday.

The troops were sent two years ago to support the Congress army, fighting the M23 -backed bunnies.

But at least 19 soldiers from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania were killed when the M23 captured the key city of Goma in January.

SADC leaders said that although the troops would be removed from the Congo, the block would continue to “support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace”.

No reason for the withdrawal was given.

SADC called for a diplomatic and political decision of the conflict.

It is not clear how many SADC troops are in Congo, but 5,000 troops had to be sent.

South Africa, who was leading the mission, had to unfold 2,900 soldiers and the rest shared between Malawi and Tanzania.

It was the third SADC summit for the Congo in recent months.

The M23 continues to recruit in East Congo, and last month seized the second largest city in the region, Bukavu.

There are fears that this can escalate to a broader regional conflict.