Home NewsAfrica President Ramaphosa Urges South Africans to Support Troops Amidst DRC Conflict

President Ramaphosa Urges South Africans to Support Troops Amidst DRC Conflict

by Thaabit Kamaar
Image Source: Melanie Verwoerd

World – Despite nationwide criticism, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all South Africans to support the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to ensuring peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

He also urged all parties involved in the conflict to embrace the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully, including honouring the Luanda Process agreements.

“All South Africans must rally behind our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace to our continent … We must silence the guns on our continent for the attainment of inclusive development and prosperity.”

South African Government Sends Their Condolences

The recent escalation of fighting in the eastern DRC has resulted in the tragic loss of 13 South African soldiers. These soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), working to protect civilians amidst the growing violence between rebel groups like the M23 and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC).

The South African Government expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, as well as to those of the injured. In addition to the support already provided to the families, the Government is also facilitating the repatriation of the deceased.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of our country, I express our sincerest condolences to their families, their loved ones and colleagues. We bow our heads in honour of their heroic and gallant fight for peace. We honour and mourn them.”

Furthermore, peacekeepers from other nations, such as Malawi and Tanzania, as well as from the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), also lost members in these attacks.

“We honour all the lives that were lost and pass our condolences to their families, governments and citizens.”

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SANDF Commitment to Regional Peace

The situation in key areas such as Goma and Sake remain highly volatile, with unpredictable conditions affecting South African troops and their counterparts.

Despite the challenges, the Minister of Defence, Ms Angie Motshekga, along with the leadership of SAMIDRC, is ensuring that the forces remain well-equipped and supported during this critical mission.

The SANDF has reiterated its unwavering commitment to fulfilling its peacekeeping mandate under MONUSCO and SAMIDRC.

President Ramaphosa further expressed the Government’s concern over misleading reports and emphasized that South Africa’s involvement in the DRC is part of a broader effort led by the SADC and the UN to bring peace, protect lives, and support the DRC’s path toward stability and prosperity.

He reiterated that the country’s military presence is not an act of war but a commitment to regional peace.

“We are concerned about the speculation about the state of our troops and the battle conditions … The presence of the SAMIDRC forces demonstrates a commitment of SADC member states to supporting the DRC in its efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability and, ultimately, create an enabling environment for sustainable development and prosperity.”

President Ramaphosa welcomed the position adopted by the UN Security Council, which calls for an immediate end to hostilities, the reversal of territorial expansion by the M23, 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 on the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other states.”

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