Calls for urgent evacuation of Malawian troops from DRC intensify

By Burnett Munthali

The worsening security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sparked urgent calls for the withdrawal of Malawian troops, who have been deployed there since 2012 under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission. Former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officer Benson Linje has issued a strong warning, calling the mission “untenable” and urging SADC to negotiate a safe corridor for the evacuation of Malawian, South African, and Tanzanian soldiers.

Linje’s concerns come in the wake of the recent occupation of Goma by the M23 rebel group. Malawian troops, who have been stationed primarily in Sake—a strategic location comparable to Lilongwe’s Likuni in terms of proximity to the capital—were originally deployed to defend Goma and ensure stability in Eastern DRC. However, with M23 now in control of the city, the former MDF officer questions the purpose of their continued presence in the region. He warns that the soldiers are now “trapped and vulnerable,” and any claims suggesting otherwise are mere propaganda.

The security situation in Eastern DRC has long been volatile, with numerous armed groups vying for territorial control. The Malawian troops, alongside their SADC allies, were tasked with neutralizing these groups and restoring civil authority. However, Linje argues that the fall of Goma signifies a turning point, making further military engagement futile. He emphasizes that SADC must act swiftly to secure an exit route for the troops, especially since key transit points such as the airport and the DRC-Rwanda border have been closed.

Linje also draws attention to the international response—or lack thereof—to the crisis. He notes that Rwandan President Paul Kagame, despite pressure from Western powers, marched his forces all the way to Goma without significant international intervention. This, he argues, is a clear indication that Malawi’s troops have been used as mere pawns in a much larger geopolitical struggle. With no serious international effort to resolve the crisis, he believes prolonging the mission only puts Malawian soldiers at greater risk.

The call for an immediate evacuation of Malawian troops is not just a military concern but a national security issue that requires urgent attention from Malawi’s Defence Council. Linje stresses that the matter should be treated as a crisis, urging authorities to prioritize the safety of Malawian personnel and military assets. He warns that delaying action could lead to dire consequences, as the conflict in Eastern DRC continues to escalate.

While Linje acknowledges the complexities of the situation, he insists that the ultimate takeaway is clear: “Troops must urgently evacuate. It’s game over!” His sentiments reflect growing concerns over the safety of Malawian soldiers, with many now questioning whether the mission has outlived its purpose.

In his concluding remarks, Linje provides a stark and urgent summary in Chichewa, reinforcing the gravity of the situation. He argues that the Malawian troops were in Goma to defend the city, but with its fall, their mission is effectively over. He questions how they are expected to continue operating in such hostile conditions and insists that SADC must immediately intervene to negotiate a safe withdrawal.

As pressure mounts, the Malawian government and SADC leadership must now decide whether to heed these warnings and initiate a swift evacuation. Failure to act could leave Malawian soldiers stranded in one of Africa’s most dangerous conflict zones, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

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