SA govt hopeful of diplomatic and political solution to end conflict in DRC
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is part of a United Nations (UN)-backed peacekeeping mission in the DRC city of Goma.
Soldiers of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) observe integration examinations for military specialities at the ‘general Major Chicko Tshitambwe’ military camp in Mambango on the outskirts of Beni, North Kivu, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on December 14, 2024. Picture: PHILÉMON BARBIER / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The South African government hopes for a diplomatic and political solution to end the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is part of a United Nations (UN)-backed peacekeeping mission in the DRC city of Goma.
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So far, 13 South African soldiers have lost their lives in the conflict between the DRC government and the rebel militia group, M23.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Cabinet lekgotla in Pretoria on Wednesday, Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola said the government will not withdraw its troops.
"At this stage, the South African government has not considered that aspect. What we are considering is the cessation of hostilities. We are putting our efforts into that - the cessation of fire.
“That is why we are participating in all these platforms, including the SADC [Southern African Development Community] one that will be sitting soon to discuss the issue of the cessation of hostilities.”
Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga said the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) has been meeting behind closed doors to end the conflict.
“The general posture we are taking as SAMIDRC is to force the parties to go into a peaceful negotiation because our sense is that war is not going to be won through arms. It can only be won if people sit down and negotiate, so we have called for a ceasefire.”