Despite Losing 14 Soldiers, S/Africa Vows Continued Support For DR Congo

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has pledged support for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid growing domestic calls to withdraw troops following the death of 14 South African soldiers in the conflict.

Speaking on Monday, Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s commitment to peace and stability in the DRC, despite major resistance by the Rwanda-backed M23 fighters in the eastern part of the country.

The M23 rebel group successfully took the major city of Goma last week and has vowed to proceed to the capital, Kinshasa.

The soldiers killed were part of a peacekeeping mission deployed in 2023 by the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) to help stabilize eastern DRC.

The South African government has continued to face pressure from opposition groups, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who have labelled the deployment “reckless and unjustifiable.”

EFF leader, Julius Malema criticised the government’s military action in DR Congo and called for an immediate withdrawal to prevent further loss of life.

“With the increasing hostility involving M23 rebels, it is imperative that South Africa withdraws its troops to ensure their safety,” Malema said on Monday.

But Ramaphosa has remained resolute, stating that it won’t stop until peace is restored to DR Congo.

“Achieving lasting peace and security in eastern DRC and the broader region requires the collective will of the international community,” Ramaphosa stated.

“South Africa will not relent in its support for the people of the DRC,” he added.

Ramaphosa acknowledged the growing security risks but reaffirmed that the SADC mission operates under specific timeframes and will conclude in line with progress on peace efforts.

“The mission will wind down as confidence-building measures are implemented and once a sustainable ceasefire takes hold,” he assured.

Ramaphosa also reiterated the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, calling on all parties to respect peace agreements to secure stability in the region.

On its part, the SADC has called for a joint summit with the East African Community to discuss the worsening security situation.

The move follows recent commitments by regional leaders to support the DRC in its fight against armed groups destabilising the mineral-rich region.

Despite Losing 14 Soldiers, S/Africa Vows Continued Support For DR Congo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper