South African Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is visiting the DRC amid worsening security conditions dominated by M23 rebels. The mission focuses on assessing the welfare of South African troops and strengthening bilateral ties. It underscores South Africa’s commitment to regional peacekeeping, especially following the withdrawal of UN forces from the area.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga is currently visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in response to deteriorating security concerns raised by the United Nations. During a recent briefing, UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq reported that M23 rebels are expanding their control in North Kivu, particularly through the recent occupation of Minova, a critical supply route to Goma.
MONUSCO has noted ongoing violent clashes between the M23, Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), and other armed groups, particularly in the Sake region. These confrontations have resulted in multiple casualties and significant displacement, with over 250,000 people affected since Saturday. The withdrawal of MONUSCO from South Kivu in June 2024 has left the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission as the only peacekeeping presence in the province.
The South African Department of Defence indicated that Minister Motshekga’s visit aligns with her “soldier first principle.” The visit aims to assess the welfare of South African military personnel deployed in the DRC while strengthening bilateral relations and adhering to the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation. This underscores South Africa’s commitment to regional peace initiatives and support for MONUSCO.
Minister Motshekga departed for the DRC on January 22 and is scheduled to return on January 25. As part of her mission, she will evaluate the operational conditions of South African troops serving with both SADC and UN peacekeeping missions. It is pertinent to note that last year, several SANDF soldiers tragically lost their lives due to various circumstances during their deployment in the DRC.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced prolonged security challenges, particularly in its eastern regions, where various armed groups operate. The recent resurgence of M23 rebel activity has exacerbated these issues, leading to increased violence and displacement of civilians. With the withdrawal of international peacekeeping forces, such as MONUSCO, the region relies heavily on local forces and regional initiatives like the SADC mission for stability and peacekeeping efforts.
In summary, Minister Motshekga’s visit to the DRC comes at a crucial time as the region experiences growing insecurity due to M23 rebel activities. This mission aims to enhance the welfare of South African forces deployed there and strengthen ties between South Africa and the DRC. The situation remains critical, with significant humanitarian implications due to the ongoing violence.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
