The SADC approves full military deployment in DRC. Agreement in Windhoek on a more coordinated approach to monitor the withdrawal of M23 from North Kivu and to counter the expansion of the CODECO in Ituri

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has approved the full deployment of the regional military force in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The decision was taken by the three leaders of the body who, in an extraordinary summit in Windhoek, agreed to adopt a more coordinated approach, “following the multiple deployments of troops on the basis of bilateral and multilateral agreements” with Kinshasa. Furthermore, they asked the government of the African country to put in place all the conditions and measures necessary to allow effective coordination between the sub-regional forces and the bilateral partners in the nation. The objectives are: to guarantee better security conditions in the area, after the start of the withdrawal from North Kivu of the Tutsi militiamen of March 23 (M23), who however continue to represent a threat in the quadrant; carry out law enforcement actions against the CODECO group, which is extending its influence in Ituri.