South African Defence Minister Visits DRC Amid Deteriorating Security
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga visits the DRC amid worsening security conditions due to M23 rebels’ actions. The United Nations reports significant territorial gains by M23, leading to extensive civilian displacement. Motshekga aims to assess the welfare of South African troops and strengthen relations with the DRC, reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to regional peacekeeping.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga is currently visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), coinciding with reports from the United Nations about a deteriorating security situation in the eastern region of the country. According to UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq, M23 rebels continue to seize territories in North Kivu, recently taking control of Minova, a vital logistical hub for Goma, the provincial capital.
Intense clashes have been reported in North Kivu as M23 rebels engage the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and other armed groups, particularly around the area of Sake. Haq highlighted that fighting in Bweremana resulted in at least ten fatalities and a significant number of displaced individuals. This ongoing violence is threatening the safety of women and children in displacement sites.
Since the start of M23’s renewed aggression, over 250,000 people have been displaced in South Kivu alone. The United Nations peacekeeping presence has diminished following the withdrawal of MONUSCO from the region, leaving the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission as the sole permanent peacekeeping force in the province.
The South African Department of Defence announced Minister Motshekga’s visit to assess the well-being and operational conditions of the South African soldiers deployed there. Her visit emphasizes strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and the DRC, ensuring alignment with existing defence cooperation agreements, and furthering peace and stability efforts.
Minister Motshekga is scheduled to return to South Africa on January 25, following her departure on January 22. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) continues to operate in the DRC under the SADC mission and the United Nations MONUSCO, despite previous casualties among its troops, including those caused by enemy actions and other unfortunate circumstances.
The backdrop to Minister Motshekga’s visit involves increasing instability in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in North Kivu and South Kivu. The ongoing conflict involves rebel groups, notably the M23, which threaten local security and contribute to significant civilian displacement. The withdrawal of MONUSCO peacekeepers has heightened concerns about the safety and welfare of both the local population and international military personnel in the area. In this challenging environment, South Africa maintains a military presence under the auspices of SADC and UN mandates, focusing on regional peacekeeping efforts.
Minister Motshekga’s trip highlights South Africa’s ongoing commitment to regional security and its responsibility towards maintaining peace in the DRC amidst increasing turmoil. As clashes between armed factions continue, the need for careful assessment of military personnel’s conditions and bilateral relations between South Africa and the DRC becomes imperative. The situation remains delicate, necessitating sustained international cooperation and a focus on humanitarian aid for affected populations.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
