The withdrawal of the East African Community peacekeeping contingent from the Democratic Republic of the Congo would open the door for the DRC government to bring in countries with international and continental support and legitimacy to assist in the security struggle, Dr Moses Khanyile, Director of the Centre for Military Studies at Stellenbosch University, told Sputnik Africa.
"The withdrawal of the EACRF will afford the DRC government a chance to invite international role players with legitimacy especially those that enjoy the support of the United Nations and the African Union. The withdrawal also presents an opportunity for operational clarity," he noted.
As an alternative, the researcher pointed to the reserve forces of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), of which DR Congo is a member.
"If the SADC force were to be deployed, it would require extensive support from the UN and other interested stakeholders, especially the P5 countries," Khanyile remarked.
However, as long as there is uncertainty over the selection of the supporting peacekeepers, the country could face difficulties such as increased casualties, displacement and human rights violations, the expert warned, as well as the threat of insurgent forces infiltrating areas previously occupied by EACRF troops.
Speaking of uncertainty, the expert cited the example of the UN mission in the DRC, known as MUNOSCO, which "does not enjoy the overwhelming support and legitimacy among the local population." Therefore, DR Congo government approached the UN Security Council to withdraw it or find an alternative intervention mechanism.
The East African Community Regional Force in DR Congo was deployed last November.
In late November, East African Community leaders stated that the DRC had decided not to renew the mandate of the EAC regional force after it expired on December 8. Members of the group later said the EACRF would withdraw all its troops by January 7, 2024.
The DRC government earlier criticized the EACRF for failing to address security concerns in the east of the country.
Security in the eastern part of the country has been a major concern for the DRC in recent years due to a widespread armed anti-government campaign by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels.