South African Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is visiting the DRC to assess the security situation as M23 rebels expand their control in North Kivu. The United Nations reports ongoing clashes, resulting in fatalities and significant civilian displacement. South Africa aims to strengthen bilateral relations and support its military personnel while reaffirming commitment to peacekeeping efforts in the region.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga is visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amidst deteriorating security conditions in the region. The Minister’s visit coincides with reports from the United Nations indicating that M23 rebels are seizing new territories in North Kivu, specifically claiming control of Minova, which is a strategic supply route to Goma, the regional capital.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, noted that fighting continues between M23, the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), and other militia groups, particularly around Sake, resulting in significant displacement of civilians. Clashes in Bweremana have reportedly caused at least ten fatalities, forcing thousands to flee towards Kalehe in South Kivu, as well as to Goma and Rusayo, with ongoing shelling threatening displaced persons.
The M23’s territorial gains have displaced over 250,000 individuals since the retreat of UN peacekeeping forces in June 2024, leaving the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) mission, SAMIDRC, as the sole stabilizing presence in the province. The South African Department of Defence’s announcement of Minister Motshekga’s visit emphasized her commitment to assessing the operational conditions of South African troops in the DRC while promoting peace and security under the leadership of President Felix Tshisekedi.
Additionally, the visit aims to enhance bilateral relations between South Africa and the DRC, in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation. During her stay, Minister Motshekga also seeks to address the welfare of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel stationed in the region. This ministerial mission underscores South Africa’s dedication to peacekeeping efforts both regionally and continentally, as well as support for MONUSCO.
Minister Motshekga was scheduled to depart for the DRC on January 22 and will return on January 25. It is noteworthy that South African troops serve alongside SAMIDRC and the MONUSCO mission, with recent reports indicating the loss of SANDF soldiers to various incidents last year.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently experiencing unrest primarily due to the activities of various armed groups, notably the M23 rebels, who are advancing their territorial claims amid the absence of robust international peacekeeping forces. The South African government has deployed military personnel in the DRC as part of broader efforts to stabilize the region, highlighting the risks faced by these troops and the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from the violence. South Africa’s Minister of Defence’s visit aims to bolster operational support for its military and strengthen bilateral ties to facilitate peace initiatives.
The visit of Minister Angie Motshekga to the DRC is crucial for evaluating the condition of South African troops amid escalating violence from armed factions, particularly the M23 rebels. The South African government’s commitment to peacekeeping is underscored by this diplomatic mission aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations and ensuring the welfare of its deployed forces. Furthermore, the deteriorating security landscape necessitates ongoing international attention and cooperative peacekeeping efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
