President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Mpho Moloi
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South African authorities are collaborating closely with the United Nations (UN) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to expedite the repatriation of the remains of 14 soldiers who recently lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The President addressed the media on Friday during the annual Presidential Golf Challenge at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate in Melkbosstrand.
“We are working with the UN and, of course, the SANDF to bring our fallen soldiers back. We’re working fervently, and when we get to Tanzania to have the summit tomorrow, I’m hoping that we will not only deal with what has happened in the recent past, but we will deal with issues that revolve around a ceasefire and finding a permanent solution to the problems that have plagued the DRC for the longest time,” he said.
President Ramaphosa is scheduled to travel to Tanzania on Saturday to participate in the joint Southern African Development Community (SADC) – East African Community (EAC) Heads of State and Government Summit, focusing on the security situation in eastern DRC.
“We want our soldiers to come back. We want peace to prevail in that area, in that part of our continent, so that the people of DRC can live in peace. And all of us can be in our own countries advancing the development of our own people,” he added.
The urgency of the joint summit follows a surge in violence in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels recently seized Goma, the largest city in the region, before capturing Nyabibwe, a key mining town in South Kivu province. Their advance towards Bukavu, the provincial capital, has heightened fears of further escalation despite a ceasefire declaration. 
The Heads of State and Government of SADC and the EAC agreed to meet urgently following their respective extraordinary summits held last month to deliberate on the way forward regarding the security situation in the DRC.
In a media statement on Friday, 7 February 2025, SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini provided an update on the repatriation process:
“Following delays that were encountered for the movement of the remains of the deceased from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the UN Logistics Base in Entebbe, Uganda, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) can confirm that the movement is now underway. The movement is conducted by the United Nations.
It is expected that by tomorrow afternoon East African Time (EAT), they will arrive in Entebbe, and the bodies will be prepared for transportation by air to South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Further updates will be communicated.”
The tragic loss of the 14 South African soldiers has drawn significant attention to the ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC. The soldiers were part of peacekeeping missions under both the UN’s MONUSCO and the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). Their deaths have underscored the volatile security situation in the region and the risks faced by peacekeepers.
In his recent address, President Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa’s commitment to peacebuilding efforts in Africa, highlighting the nation’s longstanding involvement in various peacekeeping missions across the continent. He reiterated the importance of diplomatic solutions and the need for all parties involved in the DRC conflict to honor ceasefire agreements and engage in dialogue.
The upcoming SADC-EAC summit in Tanzania is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for regional leaders to strategize on restoring stability in the eastern DRC. The international community will be closely monitoring the outcomes, hoping for decisive actions that will lead to lasting peace in the region.
As the repatriation process progresses, the South African government has called for national unity and support for the families of the fallen soldiers. Memorial services are expected to be held upon the return of the soldiers’ remains, honoring their sacrifice and service in the pursuit of peace.
The situation in the DRC remains complex, with multiple armed groups operating in the region and longstanding ethnic tensions contributing to the instability. The international community, including regional bodies like SADC and the EAC, continues to seek effective strategies to address the root causes of the conflict and support the DRC in achieving sustainable peace and development.
In the meantime, the South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peacekeeping efforts and working collaboratively with international partners to promote stability in the DRC and the broader African continent.
The repatriation of the fallen soldiers serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by peacekeepers in conflict zones and the ongoing challenges faced in the quest for peace. As the nation mourns, there is a renewed call for diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting resolution to the conflict in the eastern DRC.
The joint SADC-EAC summit represents a critical opportunity for regional leaders to coordinate their efforts and demonstrate a unified commitment to peace in the DRC. The outcomes of this summit will be instrumental in shaping the future of the region and the effectiveness of peacekeeping initiatives moving forward.
As the international community watches closely, there is hope that the collaborative efforts of African nations will lead to meaningful progress and a brighter future for the people of the DRC.
In the words of President Ramaphosa, “We stand for peace and justice, for equality and solidarity. We stand for our shared humanity, not for the survival of the fittest. We will not be bullied.”
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 091 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ndlozi on Ramaphosa: “He’s Not What We Were Told” – A Surprising Change in Tone”
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