Ramaphosa Vows to Reinforce South African Troops in DRC, Tells Rwanda to Withdraw Forces

Pretoria, South Africa – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to reinforce South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers in attacks linked to the M23 rebel group and Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF).

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, February 3, Ramaphosa condemned the violence, called on Rwanda to immediately withdraw its forces from Congolese territory, and reaffirmed South Africa’s unwavering commitment to defending the DRC’s sovereignty.

“They were killed in violation of a ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda,” Ramaphosa said, referring to the attacks that targeted South African troops in eastern DRC.

“The UN Security Council has roundly condemned the attack, reiterating that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes.”

Military Presence

Despite the growing risks, Ramaphosa made it clear that South Africa will not retreat from its peacekeeping commitments.

Instead, he announced plans to reinforce and strengthen SANDF deployments under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the UN Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO).

“The situation in the areas where our troops are stationed remains highly volatile. We are making every effort to ensure that our soldiers are well-equipped and sufficiently supported during the mission,” Ramaphosa stated.

With tensions between South Africa and Rwanda escalating, Ramaphosa’s pledge to reinforce South African troops and his demand for Rwanda’s withdrawal signal Pretoria’s readiness to play a decisive role both militarily and diplomatically in the quest for peace in the DRC.

As diplomatic channels fray, the risk of a broader regional conflict looms large.

Ramaphosa emphasized that the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers would not be in vain, vowing to secure the safety of SANDF personnel while continuing the mission to protect vulnerable Congolese civilians.

Ramaphosa to Rwanda: “Respect DRC’s Sovereignty”

In one of his strongest public statements yet, Ramaphosa called on Rwanda to immediately withdraw its forces from the DRC, echoing the recent demands of the United Nations Security Council.

“Strong political will and leadership will be required from all parties to the conflict, as well as respect for the territorial integrity of the DRC,” he declared.

“We endorse the call by the UN Security Council for the reversal of the territorial expansion by the M23 rebel group and for the exit of external forces from the DRC.”

This direct message to Kigali signals mounting frustration within SADC over Rwanda’s military involvement in eastern DRC and comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Rwanda.

Kagame Ready for Confrontation

Ramaphosa’s remarks come just days after Rwandan President Paul Kagame launched a blistering attack on South Africa’s role in the DRC conflict, dismissing Pretoria’s criticisms and issuing a thinly veiled threat.

“If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day,” Kagame declared during a recent press conference.

Kagame accused South Africa of misrepresenting facts about Rwanda’s role in the DRC, claiming that South African forces were engaged in offensive operations rather than peacekeeping.

He also dismissed Ramaphosa’s diplomatic warnings, suggesting that South Africa lacks the authority to mediate in the conflict.

“South Africa is in no position to take on the role of a peacemaker or mediator,” Kagame said. “Their actions in the DRC speak for themselves.”

South Africa’s Role 

Responding to critics questioning South Africa’s military presence in the DRC, Ramaphosa strongly defended the deployment, arguing that conflict anywhere in Africa is the business of all Africans.

“Violence and conflict in Africa is the business of all Africans. The humanitarian, economic, and social effects of these conflicts are felt across borders and regions,” he said. “Instability in any part of the continent affects the prospects for growth and development across Africa.”

Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s long-standing commitment to peacebuilding, citing its involvement in peacekeeping missions in Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and other conflict zones across the continent.

While reaffirming South Africa’s military commitment, Ramaphosa stressed that a lasting solution requires an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts.

He urged all parties, including state and non-state actors, to engage in inclusive dialogue under the framework of the Luanda Process.

“A ceasefire is a necessary precondition for peace talks that must include all parties to the conflict, whether they are state or non-state actors, Congolese or non-Congolese,” Ramaphosa stated. “Diplomacy is the most sustainable pathway to achieving a lasting peace for the DRC and its people.”

Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s unwavering support for the DRC, emphasizing the country’s moral and historical obligation to assist African nations facing conflict.

“As a country, we have a duty of support towards the nations of Africa whose solidarity and material support helped secure our liberation,” he said.

“South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC so that they may have the peace and security they rightfully deserve.”