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South Africa Joins Regional Force to Combat DR Congo Rebels
In a bid to quell escalating violence, South Africa has announced the deployment of 2,900 troops to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the move on Monday, bolstering the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission known as SAMIDRC.
This deployment follows the withdrawal of the East African regional force late last year after DR Congo deemed it ineffective in curbing armed rebel groups. Malawi and Tanzania have also pledged troops to the revamped mission.
The South African contingent, expected to cost roughly $105 million, will remain in the DRC until December 2024. Their arrival comes amidst renewed clashes that have displaced tens of thousands, adding to the already staggering figure of nearly seven million internally displaced persons within the conflict-ridden nation.
“This deployment underlines our unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region,” President Ramaphosa declared in a statement. “We stand with the people of DR Congo in their pursuit of lasting security and prosperity.”
However, concerns linger regarding the mission’s effectiveness. Critics point to the DRC’s complex conflict landscape, involving numerous armed groups with varied motivations. The success of SAMIDRC, they argue, hinges not just on military might but also on addressing underlying political and economic grievances fueling the violence.
SA Troops Suffer First Fatalities in DRC Deployment
South African troops deployed to quell a rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Wednesday suffered their first casualties, raising concerns about the mission’s effectiveness and prompting calls for withdrawal.
Two soldiers were killed and three injured after a mortar bomb landed inside their base. The attack, though not yet attributed to any specific group, has stoked political tensions in South Africa.
“This is unacceptable,” declared Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), at a press conference. “Our soldiers are sent to be killed because they are not properly trained. We just don’t have the army. The ANC has collapsed the army,” he charged, referring to the governing African National Congress (ANC).
The Democratic Alliance (DA), another major opposition party, echoed similar concerns. “These fatalities were avoidable,” said DA defense spokesman Kobus Marais. “The government was warned that this deployment was irresponsible and unacceptable.” He expressed concerns about the lack of air support for the troops, calling them “sitting ducks” in the “complex and hostile terrain” of eastern DRC.
President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the deployment in parliament, emphasizing South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts across Africa. “We salute our defense force personnel who brave great dangers to make Africa a more peaceful and stable continent,” he said, expressing condolences for the fallen and injured soldiers.
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