Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, confirmed the decision to IGIHE, saying, 'Yes, we granted them permission to pass through Rwanda.'
While the exact date of the SADC troops' departure from the Democratic Republic of Congo has not been confirmed, a task force has already been established to work on the process. This team recently began its work in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Once the withdrawal begins, the troops are expected to enter Rwanda through the Rubavu border and continue on to Tanzania, one of the countries contributing forces to the SADC mission. Other contributing nations include South Africa, whose contingent is the largest, and Malawi.
During earlier discussions between the SADC mission and the M23 group, it had been agreed that SADC troops would be allowed to take their military equipment with them upon departure, but they would not remove equipment left behind by the Congolese national army (FARDC).
FARDC troops currently stationed in Goma are also expected to leave, though the manner of their withdrawal remains unclear.
The repatriation of SADC troops has gained urgency in recent days following a spike in tensions after the M23 accused the regional forces of involvement in the April 11 clashes.
South Africa's Chief of Defence, General Rudzani Maphwanya, has publicly stated that the withdrawal of the troops must be expedited.
Rwanda had previously allowed UN personnel based in Goma to exit through its territory when fighting intensified between M23 and Congolese government forces. It had also granted passage to wounded SADC troops and the remains of soldiers killed in combat.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-grants-transit-access-to-sadc-troops-withdrawing-from-goma
