SANDF maintains deployment to DRC forms part of peacekeeping efforts
This comes as tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have escalated in the past three years, resulting in countless casualties and displacing tens of thousands.
People gather next to some vehicles from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission as they flee the Masisi territory following clashes between M23 rebels and government forces, at a road near Sake on 7 February 2024. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) maintains their deployment to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forms part of international and regional peacekeeping efforts.
This comes as tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have escalated in the past three years, resulting in countless casualties and displacing tens of thousands.
ALSO READ:
- When partaking in combat operations, SA soldiers are a legitimate target, says Rwandan spokesperson
- 'There was no lie': Lamola dismisses Kagame's claims of DRC fact distortion by Ramaphosa
- SA govt not considering withdrawing troops from volatile DRC
Last week, 13 SANDF soldiers died following clashes with M23 rebels, who are believed to be supported by the Rwandan government, despite them continuously denying such claims.
A further three were killed on Monday after the SANDF base at Goma Airport was bombed, bringing the death toll of SANDF soldiers killed to 16.
During an address to the nation on Thursday morning, SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya once again labelled South Africa’s involvement in the DRC-Rwandan conflict as being part of peacekeeping efforts.
“The SA National Defence Force, as part of SAMIDRC [SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo], remains steadfast in supporting all peace-building efforts aimed at addressing the escalating violence, finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and averting a humanitarian crisis.”
However, the spokesperson for the Rwandan government, Yolande Makolo, said SAMIDRC - comprising soldiers from Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and the DRC - will be targeted if they are found to be involved in combat activities.
“SAMIDRC is not a peacekeeping force, they are an offensive force. They were involved in combat against a Congolese rebel group that’s fighting for its community’s rights, so they’re not a peacekeeping force.”
SANDF soldiers have been in eastern DRC since December 2023.