President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa confirmed ongoing support for the DRC amidst troop withdrawal calls after the death of 14 South African soldiers. Increased M23 rebel aggression poses serious risks, prompting criticism of the military deployment’s safety. Ramaphosa stressed collaboration for peace and emphasized SADC’s mission completion linked to a ceasefire. The adequacy of military resources remains a concern, provoking calls for a parliamentary debate on troop support.
In light of recent developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to support the DRC, despite calls for troop withdrawal following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers. The ongoing conflict, fueled by Rwandan-backed M23 fighters who captured Goma, has raised significant concerns regionally and internationally. Ramaphosa emphasized that sustainable peace in the DRC necessitates collaborative efforts from the community of nations, stating, “South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC.”
The deaths of these soldiers, part of a peacekeeping force from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have sparked demands for the government to reconsider its military presence. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema criticized the deployment as “reckless and unjustifiable,” urging for troop withdrawal in light of escalating dangers posed by the M23 rebels.
President Ramaphosa explained that the SADC mission is designed to conclude in line with the successful implementation of peace measures and a respected ceasefire among conflicting parties. He stated, “For a lasting peace to be secured in the eastern Congo, there must be an immediate end to hostilities.” This call for unified action reflects the urgent need for stability in the tempestuous region.
Following an emergency summit, SADC members expressed unwavering support for the DRC while endorsing mediation efforts led by Angola and Kenya. This summit also led to deployments of officials to the DRC to safeguard SADC troops and assist in the repatriation of deceased and injured personnel. Currently, South Africa leads the SADC forces, which comprise roughly 1,300 troops, with contributions from Malawi and Tanzania.
Concerns regarding the adequacy of support and resources for the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) have emerged amidst budgetary constraints within the government. The Democratic Alliance has requested parliamentary discussions to scrutinize the rationale behind troop deployments lacking essential air support. Observers have been vocal in their critique, with Guy Martin from defenseWeb noting, “The government has kept increasing the SANDF’s mandate while cutting its funding and capabilities.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a long history of conflict primarily due to its rich mineral resources and the involvement of various armed groups. Recent aggressions from Rwandan-backed M23 fighters threatening major urban centers have exacerbated the instability within the region. South Africa has participated in peacekeeping efforts through the SADC, a regional bloc aimed at stabilizing the DRC and addressing security concerns throughout the eastern part of the nation, which has faced persistent unrest for decades.
In summary, South Africa remains committed to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo despite the tragic loss of soldiers, emphasizing the importance of lasting peace through collective international efforts. The recent calls for troop withdrawal highlight the ongoing risks within the conflict, while discussions regarding the adequacy of military support further complicate the situation. While regional cooperation aims to address the escalating crisis, questions remain about the sustainability of the SANDF’s capability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
