Withdrawing troops deployed to DRC based on tentative ceasefire: Ramaphosa

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa said Thursday’s decision by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to withdraw their troops from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was based on the tentative ceasefire.  

Although the situation remains precarious, Ramaphosa said he viewed the pause in fighting as a confidence measure that longer-lasting peace can be negotiated.  

But there are no details yet about when the South African troops will start coming home.  

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The deaths of 16 South African soldiers exacerbated calls from some political parties that they return home on the back of millions of rands needed for their deployment.  

Speaking during the South African-European Union summit on Thursday, Ramaphosa said he had full confidence in Angolan President Joao Lourenco’s ability to broker a peace deal.  

He was part of the virtual meeting of SADC leaders earlier in the day.  

“That, for us, is a confidence-building measure that enables us to have a phased withdrawal from the eastern DRC.”  

Ramaphosa said the ceasefire declared by M23 rebels in February is a step towards ending the fighting for good.  

“We are hoping that we will get the support that is needed from a humanitarian point of view and also from a political point of view to make sure that the ceasefire holds.”  

South Africa has sent around 3,000 troops to the DRC since the deployment began in December 2023.  

Malawi and Tanzania have also lost soldiers in the fighting.