South Africa's Firm Stance in the DRC: No Retreat, No Surrender

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has firmly rejected the proposal to withdraw South African soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stating that such an action would be “worse than surrender.” Addressing Parliament during an urgent debate on the deployment of South African troops to the DRC, Lamola highlighted the critical importance of maintaining a presence in the conflict-ridden region.

In a poignant moment, the Minister acknowledged the tragic loss of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers in the eastern DRC, whose families are currently awaiting their repatriation. “Abrupt withdrawal, as called upon by some in the House, is not even a tactical retreat; it is worse than a surrender as with the number [of] armed groups in the area, there lies ambush,” he declared.

The South African government has received supportive comments from leaders of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the East Africa Community (EAC), who have called for a ceasefire and dialogue in the DRC over the weekend.

This follows a SADC – EAC Heads of State and Government Summit on the security situation in the eastern DRC, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Minister believes that the recent summit has clarified the way forward regarding the conflict. “Recognising that a peaceful Africa is crucial for the economic and social development of the continent, we participated in numerous peace missions on the continent, in Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, South Sudan, and so on, to silence the guns in line with vision 2063,” Lamola told Members of Parliament (MPs).

The SANDF soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which aims to restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.

According to Lamola, the DRC is more peaceful now than before, with the conflict confined to an isolated region.

“To suggest that we should not resolve conflicts in Africa, regardless of their origin, is simplistic and profoundly naive. Such a stance reflects a disturbing ignorance of the complexities and implications of neglecting these critical situations,” he remarked.

Lamola warned that a failure to act would undermine peace, security, and economic prosperity, both regionally and globally. “Our nation will not be at peace if our regional community suffers in turmoil,” he added.

This stance is significant for Southern Africa, as maintaining stability in the DRC is crucial for the region’s economic and social development. The conflict’s impact extends beyond Southern Africa, affecting African trade and the global market.

Stability in the DRC can foster improved economic conditions, which can, in turn, positively influence international trade and investment.

The Minister also took time to honor the country’s fallen heroes, as well as members of the Malawian, Tanzanian, and Uruguayan defense forces. “It is not a tragedy that has only befallen our defense force, it has befallen both the United Nations mission and the SADC mission,” he added.

As South Africa grapples with its role in maintaining peace and economic stability, Lamola’s address underscores the nation’s commitment to regional and global security.

The decision to remain in the DRC is driven by the belief that Africa’s peace is integral to its prosperity. The impact of this commitment resonates not only within Southern Africa but also across the continent and the global market.

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