President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to completing its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) despite the recent loss of 14 of its soldiers.
Speaking Thursday at a memorial service for the fallen troops, Ramaphosa vowed to “not weaken in our resolve” to achieve a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
“We will not weaken in our resolve to realise the vision of an Africa free from war and conflict; an Africa free of poverty and underdevelopment; and an Africa at peace with itself and the world,” Ramaphosa told grieving families during the memorial service held at Swartkop Airforce Base in Pretoria on Thursday night.
He added: “We have fulfilled our duty to bring our soldiers home. We must fulfil our duty to complete their mission.”
The 14 soldiers died in the eastern DRC in the past month, highlighting the volatile security conditions within the region.
South Africa is a troop contributing country to both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC and the UN peacekeeping mission.
Ramaphosa emphasised that the soldiers died “in the name of duty, in pursuit of peace and in the cause of silencing the guns across our beloved continent.”
He, however, acknowledged the logistical difficulties and the ongoing security challenges in the region.
The South African leader expressed encouragement regarding the outcome of a recent summit between the East African Community and SADC, which prioritised a political solution to the DRC conflict.
He reiterated South Africa’s call for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of inclusive negotiations among warring factions.
The memorial service was attended by DRC Defence Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita.
JN/APA