Malawi President lobbies more UN intervention in DRC

Malawi President Joyce Banda, who is also chairperson of Sadc, has told the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that the regional bloc is concerned about the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the deteriorating humanitarian situation.

The Sadc chairperson and Namibian President Hifikipinye Pohamba, chairperson for the Sadc organ on politics, defence and security cooperation, met Ban on Sunday in New York, United States of America where they expressed worries over the continued elusive peace, which is impacting on women.

In a statement made available to The Nation by the presidential press secretary Steven Nhlane, Banda observed that rebel forces, the M23 group, are causing untold misery and suffering on women and children of the DRC in this part of the country.

“Sadc is of the view that the international community led by the UN, should continue to engage to assist the DRC to have peace and stability.

“For as long as the DRC has no peace, the region and indeed the African continent, will have no meaningful peace. The UN has the responsibility to bring about peace across the world, including to the people of the DRC,” said Banda.

The President said with full cooperation of DRC’s neighbours and support of the UN family, peace is attainable in the DRC.

Malawi is sending 850 soldiers to join Tanzanian and South African forces already in Goma, DRC where the forces are fighting rebels.