The engagement, held at the Serena Hotel in Goma, brought together military chiefs from SADC and AFC/M23, was announced through a joint statement signed by Major General Sultani Makenga, representing AFC/M23, and Major General Ibrahim M. Mhona, representing SADC and the Army Defence sub-committee.
The agreement outlined immediate steps for the withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops, who will leave with their weapons and equipment while ensuring that all FARDC weapons and equipment remain behind.
AFC/M23 also committed to coordinating the freedom of movement for SAMIDRC troops in preparation for their withdrawal, in accordance with principles agreed upon during the meeting.
To further support this process, SADC military chiefs and AFC/M23 agreed to conduct a Joint Technical team assessment to evaluate the readiness of Goma International Airport for reopening, with SADC offering assistance in repairing the airport to facilitate the smooth withdrawal of troops.
The meeting, attended by senior defence officials from across the SADC region, included General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force; Lieutenant General Geoffrey C. Zyeele, Commander of the Zambia Army; Major General Saiford Kalisha, representing the Chief of Defence Force of Malawi; and Major General Ibrahim Michael Mhona, representing the Chief of Defence Forces of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Also present were Professor Kula I. Theletsane, Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Affairs at SADC, Major General Sultani Makenga, Military Coordinator of AFC/M23 and Chief of Defence Forces of ARC, Brigadier General Bernard Byamungu, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of ARC, and Bahati Musanga Erasto, Governor of North Kivu Province.
In addition to troop withdrawal and airport rehabilitation, the agreement highlighted the need for a follow-up meeting between SADC and AFC/M23 at a mutually agreed venue and date to monitor the progress of these commitments.
Both parties expressed their gratitude for the efforts made by SADC and AFC/M23 leadership to facilitate the engagement, emphasizing that the agreement marks a crucial step toward a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.
Following the meeting, M23's military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, shared a video capturing a lighthearted moment with SAMIDRC troops, who hugged and cheered him.
In the video, the troops affectionately gave him the nickname 'Quickly,' a reference to the day he swiftly oversaw the eviction of European mercenaries who had turned into prisoners of war (POWs) in Goma.
M23's Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma shared a light moment with SAMIDRC troops who hugged and cheered him, even giving him the nickname 'Quickly', a nod to the day he swiftly oversaw the eviction of European mercenaries turned POWs in Goma. pic.twitter.com/xowxgacCrH
â€" IGIHE (@IGIHE) March 28, 2025
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