Ramaphosa
By Thabo Mosia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has affirmed that South Africa will maintain its military presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) despite recent escalations in violence that have resulted in the tragic loss of 13 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers. He emphasised the nation’s commitment to peacekeeping and called for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Ramaphosa Pays Tribute to Fallen Soldiers
In a solemn address to the nation, President Ramaphosa stated:
“Following the recent intensification of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa has lost 13 brave soldiers who were dedicated to their mission and committed to peace. The fighting is the result of an escalation by the rebel group M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia engaging the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).”The President extended his condolences to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of the fallen soldiers, honouring their “heroic and gallant fight for peace.”
He further confirmed that all necessary support was being provided to the families of the deceased and those injured, and that the process to repatriate the remains of the fallen soldiers was underway.
Additionally, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the attacks had not only resulted in the deaths of South African troops but had also affected members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) from other troop-contributing countries, namely Malawi and Tanzania, as well as members of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) brigade.
Escalation of Conflict in Eastern DRC
The eastern region of the DRC has witnessed a surge in hostilities over recent weeks, largely due to the M23 rebel group’s aggressive territorial expansion. The situation has been further exacerbated by allegations of direct military support from Rwanda, which has inflamed regional tensions and drawn international condemnation.
The situation in Goma and Sake, where South African and SADC troops are stationed, remains tense, volatile, and unpredictable.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged these challenges, noting that Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, SANDF Chief Gen Rudzani Maphwanya, and SAMIDRC Force Commander Maj Gen Monwabisi Dyakopu were working to ensure that South African forces remained well-equipped and sufficiently supported during this critical mission.
The President also urged South Africans to support the troops rather than engage in speculation about their condition, adding:
“We are concerned about the speculation about the state of our troops and the battle conditions. All South Africans must rally behind our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace in our continent.”Ramaphosa: South Africa Is Not at War
Amid growing domestic and international concerns, President Ramaphosa clarified that South Africa’s military presence in the DRC was not a declaration of war against any country. Instead, he reaffirmed that SANDF troops were deployed as part of coordinated peacekeeping efforts under both SADC and the UN.
“The members of the South African National Defence Force that are in the DRC are part of both SADC and United Nations efforts to bring peace and protect thousands of lives that are constantly threatened by the conflict in the DRC.”Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa’s involvement was solely in support of peace efforts and the stabilisation of the DRC, aligning with SADC’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to sustainable development and regional prosperity.
International Reactions and Peace Initiatives
The United Nations Security Council recently held a special sitting on the crisis in the DRC, where it:
• Called for an immediate end to hostilities
• Demanded the reversal of M23’s territorial expansion
• Urged the withdrawal of external forces from the DRC
• Advocated for a resumption of peace talks under the Nairobi Process
President Ramaphosa welcomed these international efforts, adding that the territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected in accordance with the UN Charter.
He also urged all parties in the conflict to embrace diplomatic efforts, including the Luanda Process agreements, to bring about lasting peace.
“We must silence the guns on our continent for the attainment of inclusive development and prosperity.”Malema Calls for Immediate SANDF Withdrawal
The deployment of South African troops has become a major domestic political issue, with Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema leading calls for their immediate withdrawal.
Malema took to social media to claim:
“The truth is undeniable, the SA army has surrendered, and M23 is disarming them… We must take a stand and demand the immediate withdrawal of our soldiers from the DRC.”He further argued that South Africa needed to increase its military budget and halt all private military equipment tenders, advocating instead for Denel to be empowered to produce equipment and for soldiers to undergo re-training before redeployment.
Malema also dismissed claims that South Africa had sent fighter jets to the DRC, stating that the country only had two operational fighter jets, with no functional landing facilities in neighbouring DRC countries.
SANDF Dismisses ‘Surrender’ Allegations
Amid mounting speculation on social media, the SANDF released an official statement denying claims that its forces had surrendered to M23 rebels.
The statement clarified that a widely circulated video showing a white flag being raised was actually part of a truce agreement to allow:
• M23 to recover their dead and injured
• SANDF troops to access medical facilities
The SANDF described this as a “common practice in warfare”, urging the public to avoid misinformation.
It reiterated its commitment to its peacekeeping responsibilities, vowing that South African forces would continue to operate with resolve, courage, and discipline in pursuit of peace.
Rwanda’s Alleged Role in the Conflict
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has openly accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, citing United Nations reports that substantiate these allegations.
Lamola stated:
“We therefore call upon Rwanda to cease its support to the M23 and for its forces to withdraw from the DRC. The unauthorised presence of the Rwanda Defence Forces in eastern DRC is in violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.”The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has been urged to intensify diplomatic efforts and ensure practical solutions to address the crisis.
SADC Leaders to Hold Emergency Summit
With tensions escalating, SADC leaders are expected to convene an extraordinary summit to discuss:
• The future of regional peacekeeping efforts
• The security situation in eastern DRC
• Potential additional support for SAMIDRC troops
Co-Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Malusi Gigaba, has also called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of nine soldiers killed last Friday, urging greater combat support and military equipment for deployed forces.
Retired SANDF General: ‘Withdrawing Troops Sends the Wrong Message’
Retired SANDF Lieutenant General Maomela Motau has warned against troop withdrawal, arguing it would
• Signal weakness to rebel groups
• Leave South Africa vulnerable to future attacks
Motau urged President Ramaphosa to take a firm stance against Rwanda, recalling how former President Nelson Mandela had sternly warned Rwanda against interference in the region.
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