International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has dismissed calls for South Africa to withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that such an action would be more dangerous than surrender.
Addressing Parliament during an urgent debate on the SANDF’s deployment in the DRC, Lamola responded to growing concerns after 14 South African soldiers were killed in the conflict-ridden eastern region. Their families are awaiting the repatriation of their remains.
Lamola said pulling out troops abruptly would expose them to deadly ambushes in an area dominated by armed groups. He welcomed statements from regional leaders at the recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) summit, where President Cyril Ramaphosa and other heads of state called for dialogue and a ceasefire.
I stand shoulder to shoulder with my esteemed parliamentary colleagues, united in our tribute to the fallen heroes of our national Defence Force members, Malawi Defence Force members, Tanzanian Defence force members and Uruguay, under MONUSCO and SAMIDRC it is not a tragedy that… pic.twitter.com/LzRr9CbpmM
— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) February 10, 2025He pointed to South Africa’s long-standing involvement in African peace missions, referencing interventions in Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and South Sudan. He also cited the 2001 Sun City talks, which helped establish a new constitutional order in the DRC and led to years of relative stability.
South African forces are deployed under the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which aims to restore peace and security in the country. Lamola said the conflict remains localized, arguing that abandoning the mission would be shortsighted and undermine regional stability.
He also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uruguay, acknowledging their role in both the SADC and United Nations missions.
