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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Following the meeting, M23\u2019s military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, shared a video capturing a lighthearted moment with SAMIDRC troops, who hugged and cheered him. <\/p>\n
In the video, the troops affectionately gave him the nickname \u201cQuickly,\u201d a reference to the day he swiftly oversaw the eviction of European mercenaries who had turned into prisoners of war (POWs) in Goma.<\/p>\n
\nM23\u2019s Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma shared a light moment with SAMIDRC troops who hugged and cheered him, even giving him the nickname \u201cQuickly\u201d, a nod to the day he swiftly oversaw the eviction of European mercenaries turned POWs in Goma. pic.twitter.com\/xowxgacCrH<\/a><\/p>\n
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