Cabinet has reiterated South Africa’s commitment to a diplomatic solution that ensures stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while also protecting the well-being of the Congolese people.
In a statement on Friday, Cabinet paid tribute to the 14 gallant South African soldiers who were killed recently in the DRC while undertaking a United Nations (UN)-backed peacekeeping mission.
“These brave soldiers had been deployed in the country as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO),” Cabinet said following its meeting on 12 February and a Special Cabinet meeting on 29 January.
Cabinet affirmed that South Africa would continue to play its peacekeeping mission role and support other African countries whose solidarity, and material support helped secure the country’s liberation.
Cabinet was updated on the recent developments in the eastern DRC and called on all parties to embrace current diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution.
The parties were also called to adhere to calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and restoration of essential utilities.
Cabinet further welcomed efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders, aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict and facilitating the repatriation of the deceased and injured soldiers of South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania.
The remains of the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who died in the eastern DRC were returned home last week and handed over to their families during a memorial service, held at Swartkop Air Force Base in Centurion.
READ | Fallen soldiers paid the ultimate price
“The outcome of the Heads of State Summit held in Tanzania on 8 February 2025 on the conflict also provides a beacon of hope for the troubled eastern DRC,” Cabinet said.
READ | SADC-EAC leaders call for dialogue in DRC conflict
– SAnews.gov.za
