President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed growing concerns over the conditions faced by South African troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), urging the nation to rally behind its soldiers. His statement comes amid escalating conflict in the region and widespread speculation about the state of South Africa’s peacekeeping mission.
In a press release on Wednesday, Ramaphosa emphasized the government’s concern over misleading reports and reaffirmed South Africa’s dedication to peacekeeping efforts. “We are concerned about the speculation about the state of our troops and the battle conditions. All South Africans must rally behind our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace to our continent,” he said.
The President clarified that South Africa’s military presence in the eastern DRC is not a declaration of war but part of broader regional and international efforts to stabilize the region. “The members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the DRC are part of both SADC and United Nations initiatives to bring peace and protect thousands of lives threatened by ongoing conflict,” he added.
Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), a regional peacekeeping initiative launched in December 2023. The mission, comprising troops from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, aims to assist the DRC government in restoring peace and security in the eastern regions, which have been plagued by armed groups.
The deployment was approved during an Extraordinary SADC Summit in Windhoek, Namibia, in May 2023, in response to escalating violence caused by the resurgence of rebel groups like M23. The President stressed that SAMIDRC reflects the commitment of SADC member states to support the DRC in achieving lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Ramaphosa’s remarks follow a recent intensification of fighting in eastern DRC, where South Africa lost 13 soldiers dedicated to the peacekeeping mission. The conflict has been fueled by the M23 rebel group and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), which have engaged in clashes with the Congolese Army (FARDC) and attacked SADC peacekeepers.
The President welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s recent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of external forces, and the resumption of peace talks under the Nairobi Process. “The territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected in accordance with the United Nations Charter,” he stated.
Ramaphosa urged all parties involved in the conflict to embrace diplomatic efforts, including honoring the Luanda Process agreements. “We call on all parties to fully embrace the current diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution. We must silence the guns on our continent for the attainment of inclusive development and prosperity,” he said.
The SANDF also addressed a viral video clip that allegedly showed South African troops surrendering to M23 rebels. In a statement, the SANDF clarified that the footage depicted a temporary truce to allow M23 to recover their dead and injured, while also enabling South African troops to access medical facilities. “This is common practice in any war, and the public should not be alarmed,” the SANDF said.
The military reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its peacekeeping mission under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and SAMIDRC, emphasizing that its troops continue to operate with resolve, courage, and discipline.
South Africa has played a critical role in the DRC’s peacekeeping efforts, with SANDF forces working tirelessly under challenging conditions to support the mission’s objectives. As the conflict in eastern DRC continues, Ramaphosa’s call for national unity and support for the troops underscores the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity.
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