South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged unwavering support for the DRC despite calls to withdraw troops after 14 South African soldiers were killed. The conflict involves the M23 rebels backed by Rwanda, raising serious concerns. While the SADC peacekeeping mission is ongoing, criticisms about troop safety and operational support have surfaced, prompting debates in parliament regarding military involvement.
President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to support the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) despite public calls for troop withdrawal after 14 South African soldiers lost their lives. The fight against Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who recently seized Goma, highlights the escalating violence in eastern DRC, drawing international concern and prompting regional emergency summits.
Ramaphosa stressed the necessity of a collaborative international effort to secure lasting peace and stability in the DRC. He assured that South Africa would maintain its support for the Congolese people amidst rising tensions and instability in the mineral-rich region.
The call for troop withdrawal is championed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), whose leader, Julius Malema, criticized the peacekeeping mission as “reckless and unjustifiable” given the growing threats to South African troops. Most casualties were part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping effort initiated this year.
In response, Ramaphosa noted that the SADC mission has a planned timeline and an end date, depending on the enforcement of ceasefires and peace-building measures. He emphasized the need for an urgent cessation of hostilities to establish peace within the eastern DRC.
The SADC recently convened with the eight-member East African Community to discuss strategies for improving the security situation in the DRC. This meeting underscored the commitment to support Congo, with a focus on mediation led by Angola and Kenya, while ensuring the safety of SADC troops deployed in the area.
South Africa leads approximately 1,300 troops in the SADC contingent, alongside contributions from Malawi and Tanzania. Concerns have been expressed about the adequacy of military support and equipment following budget cuts affecting the South African National Defense Force (SANDF), raising questions about operational readiness and troop safety.
The opposition Democratic Alliance has called for parliamentary scrutiny regarding troop deployments, questioning decisions made without sufficient air and logistics support. Media reports indicate that funding cuts have compromised the SANDF’s capacity to meet its operational mandates adequately.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC is characterized by decades of violence fuelled by numerous armed factions. Recent developments involve the M23 rebels leveraging support from neighboring Rwanda to expand their control, prompting a serious consideration of military involvement from South Africa and other regional actors. With South African troops deployed under the SADC’s umbrella, the conflict risks aggravating regional stability, necessitating a robust international response to safeguard peace efforts and enhance troop security amid heightening tensions.
In summary, South Africa continues to affirm its support for the DRC despite escalating violence and calls for troop withdrawal. President Ramaphosa indicates the commitment to a structured SADC mission, while criticisms regarding troop safety and support are gaining traction domestically. The unfolding situation necessitates a cooperative international approach to ensure lasting peace and stability in the DRC while safeguarding the lives of deployed troops.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
