Amid growing public interest in South Africa’s military involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has reiterated the reasons behind the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the war-torn region.
Motshekga emphasized that the SANDF’s mission in North Kivu, eastern DRC, aligns with South Africa’s long-standing commitment to promoting peace and stability across the continent.
The region has endured prolonged violence, primarily due to the M23, an armed group responsible for numerous attacks on civilian and military targets.
The conflict is exacerbated by multiple armed groups vying for control over the DRC’s abundant natural resources, resulting in mass displacement and severe humanitarian crises.
South Africa’s foreign policy, shaped since the advent of democracy in 1994, prioritizes peace and stability across Africa. The country has actively participated in over 23 peacekeeping missions, including deployments in Lesotho, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Sudan’s Darfur region, the Comoros, and Liberia.
The DRC has been a focal point of South Africa’s diplomatic and military efforts for decades. Motshekga highlighted the role of former President Nelson Mandela, who facilitated peace negotiations between then-Zaire’s leader, Mobutu Sese Seko, and rebel leader Laurent Kabila aboard the SAS Outeniqua. This pivotal dialogue contributed to the transformation of Zaire into the present-day DRC.
Additionally, South Africa hosted the Inter-Congolese Dialogue at Sun City, which sought to bring stability to the country. Women across Africa, including those from conflict zones, have also engaged in dialogues aimed at achieving peace.
A recent gathering in South Africa saw Congolese women from conflict-ridden areas participate in discussions on security and stability.
“South Africa is an integral part of the international community, particularly the African continent. We recognize that our own security, prosperity, and sustainability—and that of Africa—are inextricably connected.”
Angie Motshekga
She further explained that South Africa’s national interest is tied to Africa’s stability and unity, positioning the continent at the core of its foreign and security policies.
Regional Response to Conflict
The deployment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) was approved by the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit in Windhoek, Namibia, on May 8, 2023. This initiative was launched to counter the escalating security threats in the eastern DRC.
“The deployment of the SAMIDRC is in accordance with the principle of collective self-defence and collective action outlined in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact (2003),” Motshekga explained.
Additionally, South Africa’s involvement aligns with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
This peacekeeping force was established in July 2010 through Security Council Resolution 1925, evolving from its predecessor, MONUC, which was created in November 1999.
MONUSCO has been tasked with using all necessary means to carry out its mandate relating to the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence, and to support the DRC government in stabilization and peace efforts.
Motshekga reaffirmed that South African troops are in the DRC under MONUSCO and SAMIDRC mandates, both working towards the creation of peace and long-term stability in the region.
The SANDF’s role extends beyond combat operations, incorporating humanitarian assistance, protection of civilians, and supporting local governance structures in restoring law and order. South Africa’s leadership in these peacekeeping efforts demonstrates its commitment to continental stability and development.
With ongoing instability in eastern DRC, the international community continues to monitor developments, assessing how South Africa’s contributions impact the broader security landscape.
Keyword: South Africa’s military
