According to EWN, President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected calls to withdraw South African troops from the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing that their peacekeeping mission is essential for stability in Africa. Approximately 2,000 SANDF soldiers are deployed under UN and SADC mandates, but the recent clashes with M23 rebels have resulted in the deaths of 14 South African troops. Their remains were repatriated and honored in a memorial service in Tshwane, where Ramaphosa stated that pulling out now would be dishonorable to their sacrifice. Critics argue that the mission is a “suicide mission,” with concerns about inadequate equipment and supplies for SANDF troops. However, SANDF chief Rudzani Maphwanya defended the deployment, asserting that soldiers were adequately armed and resourced. Despite ongoing criticism, the multinational mission is set to continue until the end of the year, with South African troops still stationed in Goma, now surrounded after the rebels captured the capital of North Kivu province.
Poll Question: Should South Africa withdraw its troops from the DRC conflict?
