President Ramaphosa assures South African troops in DRC are safe: Video
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the country’s troops stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are currently in a "safe place" following deadly clashes with the M23 armed group.
"Things are relatively quiet at the moment, and our soldiers are also in a safe place," Ramaphosa said during a press briefing in Pretoria. His statement comes a day after four members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were killed in fighting against the rebel group in eastern DRC.
South African forces are deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional mission and the UN peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, to help stabilise the conflict-prone region.
Ramaphosa emphasised ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain peace in the region, including conversations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. "We are insisting that a ceasefire must hold," he told the media.
Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga provided additional details, revealing that M23 had requested safe passage to retrieve their deceased fighters. "We hoisted a white flag to allow this passage, which I am told is a conventional practice in war," Motshekga said.
She also highlighted Angola’s role in peace negotiations and ongoing discussions involving Rwanda, often accused of supporting the M23. "We are keeping communications open with Rwanda, and there has been no hostility between us," Motshekga added.
The attacks in DRC have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, forcing thousands to flee further south into the already volatile South Kivu region or seek refuge across the Rwandan border. The UN reports that over 500,000 people have been displaced since January, while hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, many of whom are civilians.
