South Africa supports Democratic Republic of Congo with 2,900 troops

President Ramaphosa orders the deployment of South African National Defence Force to the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting South Africa’s role in regional peacekeeping

South Africa is deploying 2,900 troops intending to combat instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the initiative as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission aimed at addressing the escalating conflicts in the region.

The deployment commenced on Dec. 15, 2023, and is set to last until Dec. 15, 2024. It involves a significant financial commitment of approximately 2 billion rand (nearly $106 million). This move aligns with South Africa’s obligation to contribute to the SADC force, a 16-member state group, including the DRC.

The SADC force, including troops from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, has an offensive mandate to assist the DRC army in combating various armed factions. This collaborative effort is crucial as the eastern DRC, a region rich in natural resources like cobalt and copper, has been plagued by decades of conflict. These longstanding disputes over land and resources have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and the displacement of over seven million people.

The current focus of the SADC mission, known as the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), is the growing threat posed by Tutsi-led M23 rebels. Their recent attacks are endangering Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.

President Ramaphosa’s decision to deploy the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) adheres to the country’s constitutional provisions and international commitments. The budget for this operation will not affect the regular maintenance and emergency repair funds of the defense force.

The SADC summit in Windhoek, Republic of Namibia, on May 8, 2023, approved the SAMIDRC deployment as a regional response to the unstable security situation in eastern DRC. This collaboration also involves elements of the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC).

In January, SADC emphasized that the presence of SAMIDRC signifies the commitment of member states to support the DRC in achieving lasting peace and stability, thereby creating an environment conducive to sustainable development and prosperity.

Source: Newsroom