UN Security Council denounces M23 forces disregard of DRC sovereignty, territorial integrity
The council said it condemns the unauthorised presence of external forces and is demanding that these forces withdraw immediately.
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
- South African National Defence Union (SANDU)
Soldiers of the Armed forces of the Democratic republic of Congo (FARDC) ride on top of a tank as they leave the city of Goma, on 23 January 2025 towards Sake. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The United Nations (UN) Security Council has denounced the flagrant disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as M23 forces claim they have taken control of the east of the country.
The council said it condemns the unauthorised presence of external forces and is demanding that these forces withdraw immediately.
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Gunfire broke out on Monday morning in the centre of the besieged city of Goma, after the DRC accused neighbouring Rwanda of sending more troops across the border to help allied fighters capture the provincial capital.
Last week, M23 rebels killed 13 soldiers, including nine South African troops who were on a peacekeeping mission in eastern DRC.
The battle over Goma is the latest chapter of fighting in eastern DRC, a volatile area that has struggled with regional rivalries, ethnic disputes, and armed militia conflicts for more than three decades.
South Africa's ambassador to the UN, Mathu Joyini, said the whole situation is regrettable.
“It is with profound regret that this meeting is taking place at a time when a number of peacekeepers have lost their lives, and many others injured in the line of duty.
“Nine of these peacekeepers are South Africans who showed immense bravery amongst relentless attacks from the M23.”
SANDU URGES RAMAPHOSA TO BE MORE TRANSPARENT
The South African National Defence Union (SANDU) is urging the commander-in-chief, President Cyril Ramaphosa, to be more transparent as the situation evolves in the eastern DRC.
SANDU has criticised the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and government for ignoring warnings about inadequate support for soldiers in high-risk areas.
The union said the conditions under which soldiers are deployed and the lack of proper support and resources, are concerning.
SANDU’s national secretary, Pikkie Greeff, said over the past two years, defence analysts and experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the SANDF's lack of close air support.
“The conditions that the soldiers are deployed under aren’t ideal. There isn’t proper support and resources for them.
“They could be much better supported and resourced, and we’ve been saying that defence analysts have been warning about this and urging the department to do something about the situation.”