President Cyril Ramaphosa Urges South Africans to Support Troops Deployed in the DRC Amid Rising Speculation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has stepped forward to clarify concerns about the welfare of South African troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Responding to mounting speculation about the conditions faced by soldiers, the President urged the nation to rally behind its military personnel.

Reaffirming South Africa’s Commitment to Peacekeeping Efforts

In his statement on Wednesday, Ramaphosa expressed government concern over misleading reports circulating about the troops and the challenges they face.

He reminded the public that South Africa’s involvement in the DRC is part of a broader peacekeeping mission and not an act of war.

“We must all stand behind our brave men and women who have dedicated themselves to bringing peace to our continent,” the President said.

Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa’s military presence in the eastern DRC is part of both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and United Nations peace efforts.

These forces are working to protect countless lives threatened by ongoing conflict in the region.

Supporting the DRC’s Path to Stability and Prosperity

The President further highlighted that South Africa’s participation in the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) is part of a collective commitment to the region’s stability.

The initiative aims to support the DRC in achieving lasting peace, ultimately creating a foundation for sustainable development and prosperity.

Launched on December 15, 2023, the SAMIDRC is a regional peacekeeping initiative designed to aid the DRC government in restoring peace and security in the country’s volatile eastern regions.

This move was made in response to escalating violence, especially from armed groups in the area.

SAMIDRC Deployment and International Collaboration

SAMIDRC involves military contingents from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, all working closely with the Congolese Army (FARDC).

Together, they aim to combat and eradicate armed groups operating in the eastern DRC.

This deployment was officially approved during a special SADC Summit held in May 2023 in Windhoek, Namibia.

The peacekeeping mission comes as fighting intensifies in the eastern DRC, with rebel group M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia clashing with the FARDC.

The violence has led to the tragic loss of 13 South African soldiers, who were dedicated to the peace mission.

President Ramaphosa’s Support for Diplomatic Efforts

In addition to his support for South Africa’s troops, President Ramaphosa welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the DRC.

This includes reversing territorial expansions by M23 and pushing for peace talks under the Nairobi Process.

Ramaphosa emphasized that the territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected, in line with the United Nations Charter.

He called on all parties involved in the conflict to embrace ongoing diplomatic efforts, specifically urging them to honor the Luanda Process agreements.

“We must silence the guns on our continent to achieve inclusive development and prosperity,” Ramaphosa stated.

Clarification on Misleading Video Footage

In the midst of these developments, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) released a statement addressing a video circulating on social media that claimed South African forces had surrendered to M23 rebels.

The SANDF clarified that the footage depicted a white flag raised as part of negotiations between opposing forces, allowing for a temporary truce to recover the dead and injured.

The SANDF assured the public that this was a standard practice in war and should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to the peacekeeping mission under both the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and SAMIDRC, emphasizing that the troops are carrying out their duties with courage and discipline.

South Africa’s Continued Role in DRC Peace Efforts

South Africa has long played a pivotal role in peacekeeping efforts in the DRC, with SANDF soldiers working in challenging conditions to support the mission’s goals.

Despite the hardships, the South African military remains steadfast in its commitment to stabilizing the region and protecting those affected by the conflict.

As the situation in the DRC continues to evolve, all eyes remain on South Africa’s military presence and the role it plays in restoring peace and security to the region.