Situation of SA soldiers stationed in DRC remains precarious, says Ramaphosa

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa says the situation for South African soldiers stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains precarious.

But he says they will only return home once there’s lasting peace in the eastern DRC.

Sixteen South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members died in the cross-fire in January – the biggest contingent since the battle of Bangui in 2013.

Answering questions about the situation in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said he’s hopeful a negotiated settlement brokered by African leaders can be reached.

Ramaphosa says with the temporary cessation of hostilities in the eastern DRC, SANDF soldiers in Goma are not in any direct danger.

“They are in quite a precarious situation right now. But as it is, the peace is holding, the troops much as they are just located at the airport, they are not being fired on.”

On a question from the Democratic Alliance’s Chris Hattingh as to when South African troops can be withdrawn, Ramaphosa said this was dependent on the guns being silenced.

“We want a negotiated settlement, and that in itself, will be a precursor to ensuring that we have a cessation of hostilities and in the end our troops do come back home.”

Ramaphosa says the movement of food supplies, water and electricity is, however, currently still subject to consultations with other armies and the M23.