South African President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed continued support for the Democratic Republic of Congo amid calls to withdraw troops following the deaths of fourteen soldiers. M23 rebels have gained ground, exacerbating the conflict in a mineral-rich area. Despite criticisms regarding military support and resources, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of collaboration for peace and stability in the region.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) despite recent calls to withdraw troops following the tragic deaths of fourteen South African soldiers. This situation has emerged as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of significant territory in eastern DRC, including the important city of Goma, threatening further advances towards the capital, Kinshasa.
The escalating conflict, rooted in years of violence involving various armed groups in a resource-rich region, has alarmed regional leaders, leading to emergency summits aimed at addressing the increasing tensions. In his remarks, President Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity for a unified effort by the international community to secure peace in eastern DRC, stating, “South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC.”
The deaths of South African soldiers, primarily from a peacekeeping operation by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have prompted calls for troop withdrawal, particularly from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. EFF leader Julius Malema has characterized the mission as “reckless and unjustifiable,” advocating for the safety of troops amidst the conflict with M23 rebels.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the SADC mission is designed with specific timelines. He noted that the operation would conclude as various measures to build confidence are enacted and a sustainable ceasefire takes hold. Moreover, he called for an immediate cessation of hostilities that must be honored by all involved parties.
In light of the growing unrest, the SADC has convened a summit with the East African Community, aimed at finding solutions for the DRC’s security landscape. This summit follows SADC’s commitment to continue supporting the DRC and mediation initiatives driven by Angola and Kenya. The meeting included decisions to deploy officials to the DRC to ensure the security of SADC forces and oversee the repatriation process for deceased and injured personnel.
The South African contingent represents a significant portion of the approximately 1,300 troops involved in the SADC force, with additional contributions from Malawi and Tanzania. However, experts have raised concerns regarding the adequacy of resources and support available to the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) due to recent government budget cuts that have affected military capabilities.
The Democratic Alliance party has called for parliamentary discussions regarding the troop deployment, questioning the rationale behind sending soldiers without adequate logistical and air support. Guy Martin, editor of defenseWeb, critically noted that, “The government has kept increasing the SANDF’s mandate while cutting its funding and capabilities.”
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a result of decades of armed violence involving numerous groups competing for control over the region’s rich mineral resources. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have intensified their offensive, capturing key cities and threatening stability. South Africa, through the SADC, has deployed troops to assist in peacekeeping efforts. However, the South African military faces challenges due to financial constraints and increasing demands for security operations.
In conclusion, South Africa remains steadfast in its support for the Democratic Republic of Congo despite significant casualties among its troops. The SADC mission is intended to stabilize the area, although there are growing concerns regarding the adequacy of support for the SANDF amidst budget cuts. As regional leaders convene to address the escalating conflict, the priority remains achieving a lasting peace underpinned by international collaboration.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
