President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite recent attacks on South African troops deployed in the conflict-ridden eastern region.
In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa paid tribute to the 14 South African soldiers who were recently killed while serving as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO).
He condemned the attacks as violations of a ceasefire agreement and emphasized that peacekeeping in Africa is a collective responsibility.
“Violence and conflict in Africa is the business of all Africans. The humanitarian, economic, and social effects of these conflicts are felt across borders and regions,” Ramaphosa stated, reinforcing South Africa’s stance on regional stability.
Long-standing Commitment to African Peacekeeping
South Africa has been a key contributor to peacekeeping efforts in the DRC since 1999, aligning with its broader foreign policy goals of promoting stability across the continent.
The country has previously participated in peace operations in Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Liberia, South Sudan, and Mozambique, among others.
The recent deaths of South African troops have sparked debate over the country’s involvement in the DRC, but Ramaphosa firmly defended the mission, highlighting its role in protecting civilians and preventing further regional instability.
“For a lasting peace to be secured in the eastern DRC, there must be an immediate end to hostilities and a ceasefire that must be respected by all,” he said, urging all parties involved to engage in diplomatic solutions.
Call for Diplomacy and Ceasefire Compliance
Ramaphosa reiterated the importance of diplomacy as the most viable path to sustainable peace. He urged all conflicting parties, including both state and non-state actors, to honor existing ceasefire agreements and support ongoing peace negotiations under the Luanda Process.
He also backed the UN Security Council’s call for the withdrawal of foreign forces and the reversal of territorial gains by the M23 rebel group, which has been a key driver of instability in the region.
Continued Support for the People of the DRC
Despite the challenges, Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa remains committed to the mission for as long as necessary, while ensuring the safety and support of its troops.
He assured that the SAMIDRC deployment has operational timeframes and will conclude once stability measures are in place.
“As a country, we have a duty of support towards the nations of Africa whose solidarity and material support helped secure our liberation. South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC so that they may have the peace and security they rightfully deserve,” he concluded.
South Africa’s continued involvement underscores its dedication to fostering peace and security in Africa, standing firm in its belief that a stable DRC is essential for the progress of the entire region.
