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SA Won’t Abandon DRC: Lamola Defends Military Presence Amid Rising Death Toll
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has firmly dismissed calls to withdraw South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), arguing that such an action would be more damaging than surrender.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate, Lamola addressed concerns following the deaths of 14 SANDF soldiers in the conflict-ridden eastern DRC, cautioning that a sudden withdrawal would leave troops vulnerable to deadly ambushes.
Also Read: South African Parliament to Hold Urgent Debate on Fallen SANDF Soldiers in DRC
“Abrupt withdrawal, as called upon by some in the House, is not even a tactical retreat; it is worse than surrender. With the number of armed groups in the area, there lies ambush,” he stated.
[WATCH] Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola says it would be irresponsible for South African soldiers to withdraw urgently from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo without successfully completing their mission. pic.twitter.com/HQ5ILoGNey
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 10, 2025
Lamola underscored South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts, referencing the recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) summit, which advocated for a ceasefire and diplomatic engagement.
“Recognising that a peaceful Africa is crucial for the economic and social development of the continent, we have engaged in numerous peace missions in Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and South Sudan. This aligns with the Agenda 2063 vision to silence the guns,” he told Members of Parliament (MPs).
Also Read: Presidency Rejects Claims That SA Troops in DRC Protect Ramaphosa’s Mining Interests
He recalled South Africa’s 2001 peace efforts, including the Sun City talks, which contributed to a new constitutional framework in the DRC and nearly two decades of stability. He reiterated the nation’s commitment to state-building and long-term peace efforts in Africa.
Paying tribute to fallen soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uruguay, Lamola noted that the tragic losses were not limited to SANDF troops but had also affected both the United Nations and SADC peacekeeping missions.
“It is not a tragedy that has only befallen our defence force—it has also befallen the UN and SADC missions,” he said.
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