APA – Kigali (Rwanda) – Thandi Ruth Modise, the South African Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs has expressed concern and worries about the complex nature of the SADC mission in Democratic Republic of Congo.
On February 14 in North Kivu, two South African soldiers were gunned down. They were identified as Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Master Corporal Irven Thabang Semono.
While addressing the mission of the South African army in eastern DRC as part of the SADC force, Thandi Ruth Modise noted that DRC, remember, holds 26 of the 28 most important minerals in the world, which largely explains the many conflicts in the region.
“This situation leads to continued struggles between the different internal factions as well as with external actors,” reports quoted Friday Modise as saying.
“Our main objective is to create a space conducive to the reconciliation of the diverse peoples of the DRC. To achieve this peace, it is imperative to put an end to internal conflicts,” she said.
“Thus, our mission consists mainly of stabilizing the region and creating favorable conditions for the return of displaced populations to their homes,” she said.
There is a strong commitment from Tanzania, South Africa and Malawi to this mission.
“We aim to enable children to return to school, women to cultivate their land and meet their food needs, and to restore the cultures which have suffered so much from conflicts,” she noted.
“The return to the country of Congolese scattered across the world and their reappropriation of their ancestral lands are of paramount importance. Nothing is more essential for those who have experienced the torments of war. Finding your roots, your name, that goes beyond everything else,” the Minister said.
The SAMIDRC mission, launched in December 2023, aims to restore peace in a region plagued by persistent instability.
However, recent events highlight the complex challenges facing forces deployed in this volatile context.
Further investigation will be necessary to elucidate the exact circumstances of the attack and determine responsibility, but it is clear that the situation remains tense and that additional measures to ensure the safety of troops will be necessary in the coming months.
CU/abj/APA