President Ramaphosa pledges continued support to DRC

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to maintain his country’s support for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) despite growing calls to withdraw troops following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers. The soldiers were killed in clashes with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have recently made significant advances in the eastern DRC, including capturing the major city of Goma.

The M23 fighters have declared their intention to march across the country toward the capital, Kinshasa, escalating tensions in a region already devastated by decades of conflict involving numerous armed groups. The situation has alarmed the continent, prompting regional blocs to hold emergency summits to address the crisis.

In a statement on Monday, President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of a ceasefire and an immediate end to hostilities to achieve lasting peace in the eastern DRC. “For a lasting peace to be secured, there must be an immediate end to hostilities and a ceasefire that must be respected by all,” he said.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC), which South Africa dominates, has called for a summit with the East African Community (EAC) to deliberate on the security situation in the DRC. Last week, SADC reaffirmed its unwavering support for the DRC and endorsed mediation efforts led by Angola and Kenya.

Following a meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, SADC dispatched officials to the DRC to ensure the safety of its troops and facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and wounded soldiers. The SADC force, estimated at around 1,300 troops, includes contributions from Malawi and Tanzania, but South Africa provides the majority of the personnel.

However, the deployment has faced criticism, with commentators and analysts questioning the quality of support and equipment available to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Budget constraints have reportedly impacted the military’s readiness, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the mission.

The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s main opposition party, has called for a parliamentary debate on the deployment, demanding answers about why troops were sent without adequate support, including air cover.

As the conflict in the DRC continues to escalate, regional leaders are under increasing pressure to find a sustainable solution to the crisis while ensuring the safety of peacekeeping forces.