/ 30 January 2025

Civil war raging in DRC becomes a nightmare for South Africa

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There have been suggestions from diplomats that Pretoria will consider air support to the SANDF troops who remain in the DRC. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

South Africa is, so far, resisting calls from the Democratic Republic of the Congo for reinforcements after Goma fell to M23 rebels and 13 South African troops died in clashes for control of the city in eastern DRC.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday said the South African troop presence in the DRC was “not a declaration of war” but an endeavour, sanctioned by the United Nations and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“We are concerned about the speculation about the state of our troops and the battle conditions. All South Africans must rally behind our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace in our continent,” Ramaphosa said.

”South Africa’s military presence in the eastern DRC is not a declaration of war against any country or state. The members of the South African National Defence Force [SANDF]  that are in the DRC are part of both SADC and United Nations efforts to bring peace and protect thousands of lives that are constantly threatened by the conflict in the DRC. The presence of the SAMIDRC [Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo] forces demonstrates a commitment of SADC member states to supporting the DRC in its efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability and ultimately, create an enabling environment for sustainable development and prosperity.”

Ramaphosa’s statement came after he personally called both DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kamage, the perceived backer of the M23 militia who captured Goma on Monday. He expressed the need for peace talks and an immediate ceasefire in those conversations.

Tshisekedi is understood to have asked for reinforcements for the SAMIDRC, the peacekeeping force in the region, in the wake of the rebels’ capture of Goma.

It is understood that Pretoria is resisting the call, and instead pressing the DRC leader to enter direct peace talks with the M23 militia and Kagame.

UN reports have suggested that in recent days up to 4000 Rwandan troops have crossed the border into the DRC.

There have been suggestions from diplomats that Pretoria will consider air support to the SANDF troops who remain in the region. The SAMIDRC has become the first line of defence when the Congolese army folded amid the rebel advance.

But security analysts caution that logistically it is hard to see how air support is possible, and South African diplomats concede that Pretoria can do nothing in the context of the peace mission without the approval of SADC.

The SANDF troops have been based at Goma airport.

Tshisekedi has been resisting calls to engage directly with M23 and Kagame but Ramaphosa’s stance, plus the situation on the ground, puts his back to the wall.

South Africa’s ambassador to the United Nations, Mathu Joyini, has called for an immediate resumption of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes.

The Luanda process in 2024 yielded the Rubavu ceasefire accord, in terms of which Rwanda agreed to withdraw its forces from the DRC, she said on Sunday.

“It is crucial for the Rwanda Defence Forces to cease support to the M23 and for the M23 to immediately cease all hostile actions and withdraw from occupied areas.”

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has followed up with a condemnation of Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict.

“We would also like to condemn Rwanda for its support of the M23 as clearly proven by various United Nations reports of experts. We therefore call upon Rwanda to cease its support to the M23 and for its forces to withdraw from the DRC,” he said in an address to an emergency meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council.

5 Replies to “Civil war raging in DRC becomes a nightmare for South Africa”

  1. Yet again, we see that political leadership is key to sound policies. Wishing for a stable outcome.

  2. Significant changes coming to the financial world. There’s a lot at stake here. How do you see this unfolding?

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    • Referring back to my report I started that all the previous and current governments in DRC pledging allegiance to the government of Rwanda, and Uganda. These governments have been characterized by mismanagement, looting of Congo’s natural resources, irresponsibility, corruption, incompetence at all levels, and especially the massive human rights violations, in the killings and attempted exterminations of civilian populations. Peace cannot easily be established unless t root cause of occupation is addressed. For example, the East Africa community mission in DRC was illegal; On April 8, 2022 the DRC joined the East African Community (EAC). Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi signing agreements that were never revealed to the people of DRC.

      Since Mr. Tshisekedi came to power, he has signed several agreements, alienating (disregarding) the sovereignty and integrity of the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

      This, is because they are contrary to the fundamental provisions of resolution 1514 (XV) of 03/12/1960, known as the “Declaration of the granting of Independence from colonial countries and peoples” forbids anyone who tries to dismember part of these territories. This is an immutable principle laid down by the United Nations.

      Congolese Constitution;

      TITLE VI: TREATIES AND INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS.

      It prohibits the accession of the Democratic Republic of Congo to this organization. Article 214 Peace treaties, commercial treaties, treaties and agreements relating to international organizations and the settlement of international disputes, those who commit public finances, those who amend legislative provisions, those relating to the status of persons, those involving exchange and addition of territory may be ratified or approved only by virtue of a law. No transfer, no exchange, no addition of territory shall be valid, without the agreement of the Congolese people consulted by referendum. The same applies to the Nairobi Agreement and the African Union, Angola process.

      Consequently, quite clearly, this EAC agreement is an illegal agreement because it does not respect resolution 1514 (XV), and even less Article 214 of the constitution in force in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

      To be noted: The history of the Congo has been punctuated by facts and events that profoundly mark the course of its evolution. From colonization to independence, through rebellions and secessions. The DRC was invaded as a result of a plot by foreign armed forces from Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi to exploit its natural resources. The Congo and the Congolese people have always paid a high price for their freedom. The planning for the occupation of the DRC was organized by Rwanda from Kigali. Its implementation took place on October 23, 1996. Its occupation started through the so called Lemera agreement by a small group of individuals consisting primarily of Tutsi extremist of Rwanda and Uganda They were assisted and enabled by some corrupt Congolese , individuals, including Laurent Kabila through his movement in this adventure. They gathered under the auspices of (AFDL); Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo but led by the regular army of Rwanda until the overthrow of Mobutu (Zaire). Kabila Laurent then became the president, then murdered by his Allies, Rwanda, Uganda for non-compliance with the Lemera mafia agreement. Its motives were to occupy the territory of the Congo and to seize its wealth Since then, there have been frequent changes of names, from AFDL, to CNDP in 2009, and then M23 in 2013 Rwanda which successfully managed to integrated its soldiers into the Congolese national army and institutions, by undergoing the so call brassage, mix age; therefore, all the previous and current governments in DRC pledging allegiance to the government of Rwanda, and Uganda. These governments have been characterized by mismanagement, looting of Congo’s natural resources, irresponsibility, corruption and incompetence at all levels, and especially the massive human rights violations, in the killings and attempted exterminations of innocent civilian populations.

      Justice Congo Group plead, and appeal, to the international community, to help Congolese in resolving this tragedy the people of Congo are going through.

      The defeat of Germany in 8th May 1945 shows this can be achieved with the coalition and support the wider international humanity and community

      ​https://www.justicecongogroup.org/united-nations

  4. I personally want to thank and congratulate our brothers and sisters from the South Africa Defence force for their commitment defending our country DRC, their brothers and sisters of DRC. It is of utmost importance that each and every son and daughter of the Democratic Rep of Congo express their gratitude toward the brave soldiers of the SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENCE ARMED FORCES who are currently battling and making sacrifices for our nation.
    Regrettably, the existing administration in the Democratic Republic of Congo was constructed with assistance from Rwanda and Uganda, the enemies, the occupiers of DRC (Nazi Germany occupation= Rwand, Uganda Occupation of DRC).
    The incursion of people of Rwanda and Uganda Tutsi Hegemonist into Congolese establishments is vast, placing South African troops and others in a dangerous situation. Thank to the UBUNTU
    Reflecting upon the realities of the tumultuous events unfolding in the war-torn East of Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC my heart is burdened by the weight of memories, vivid and chaotic, that flood my mind. Born and raised in the East part of DRC, I personally witnessed the impact of the war imposed against us, from neighbouring countries including Rwanda and Uganda. This war has so far resulted in millions of deaths. More than 7.3 million of internal displaced refugees (UN report) In addition, millions of women raped and systematically plundering of DRC’s natural resources, environmental degradation, child labor…
    11 years and eight months have elapsed since the inception of my impassioned quest for justice on behalf of my people, the people of the Democratic Rep of Congo where I come from. Despite the inherent challenges and uncertainties that accompany my journey, my commitment to this noble cause remains unyielding, unchanging, and untainted by any external influences.
    The following recommendation report was distributed to various organizations, such as the United Nations and its affiliates that play a role in the security tactics of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in Congo. It was also shared to the Parliament of the United Kingdom and to the government of the United States of America. Although the receipt of the report was confirmed, the perennial dilemma of the DRC has once again been disregarded, owing to the overriding priorities of the global superpowers.

    Who is Justice Congo Group
    Justice Congo Group is an NGOS, an Asbl in DRC. We are a passionate and dedicated non-profit organization operating in the De Republic of Congo, tirelessly advocating for the rights in the region.
    In the UK, Justice Congo Group, the mother body is a campaigning organization seeking to highlight the harsh reality life of the Congolese people in the Democratic Republic of Con (DRC) so closely affected by the current mineral mining boom link to the Global North and East needing cassiterite, gold and the so-called 3T minerals (tin, tantalum ore, tungsten) and others. N widely known as conflict minerals desired for electric batter laptops and mobile phones for digital innovation
    We also seek to highlight the impunity with which perpetrators of murder and rape conduct themselves, environmental degradation human rights abuses and how violence continue to cause multiple suffering to the civilian population in DRC, and what we collectively do about it. For more information please visit website:
    JUSTICE CONGO GROUP | Genocide against the son and daughters of DRC. Human rights abuses
    The United Nations (MONUSCO) will completely withdraw from the DRC by 31 December 2024. This total withdrawal of MONUSCO has already revealed the security void in DRC.
    The UN withdrawal is incongruent with the security realities. The M23 is currently gaining ground which leads to increased instability and more internal displacements. 80 percent of the Congolese citizens live in the areas protected by MONUSCO. In March 2024, the UN reported that the number of internally displaced people in DRC had reached 7.2 million – one of the largest in the world. The humanitarian disaster resulting from cyclical, violent conflict Congo, which has killed millions over the past three decades, continues to deepen. In addition to its military involvement, Rwanda has been accused of illegally exploiting the DRC’s natural resource Reports indicate that Rwanda is profiting from the extraction of minerals in the DRC, exacerbating the conflict and destabilising the region. During the past 30 years, since these technologies have been developed, the DRC’s neighbours, Rwanda and, to a lesser extent, Uganda and Burundi, have stirred chaos a violence in the mining lands, in order to terrorize the local population and drive them away from these valuable areas.
    A large amount of minerals is smuggled across the border and sold as Rwandan or Ugandan produce, being passed off as “conflict-f regardless of its actual origin. This illegal exploitation not on undermines the sovereignty of the DRC but also fuels the cycle of violence and poverty in the region
    The escalating human rights violations and destabilising accountability linked to the Rwandan government, both within its borders and in the Democratic Republic ofCongo (DRC)
    The lasting impact of DRC’s invasion by Rwanda and Uganda from 1996 is undeniable, leaving a lasting legacy of instability and turmoil in its wake. For example, all the previous and current governments in DRC pledging allegiance to the government of Rwanda, and Uganda. These governments have been characterized by mismanagement, looting of Congo’s natural resources, irresponsibility, corruption, incompetence at all levels, and especially the massive human rights violations, in the killings and attempted exterminations of civilian populations. Peace cannot easily be established unless t root cause of occupation is addressed
    It has been also confirmed that about 120 armed groups are operating in the DRC, although the authors of such reports fail to identify the realities of these armed groups – e.g. who is arming them? Are they acting in self-defense? How is one armed group different from another? Whose interests do they represent? What connections do they have with the infiltrating powers of Rwanda and Uganda, Burundi and the EAC “peacekeeping force”? Justice Con Group believe that it is time for the international community investigate about the “120 armed groups” and to carefully a
    accurately analyze what is going on for the Congolese people in eastern DRC, who are in a daily life and death struggle against the chaos caused by mineral mining and the violence that so often accompanies it?
    Recommendation
    Justice Congo Group believes that it is crucial to take into account the converging opinions and insights of the various stakeholders involved, especially when considering the evaluation of a collective appraisal.
    In light of these concerns, Justice Congo Group urge your office consider our joint assessments and suggestion
    DRC legal duty
    During the latest session at the United Nations Security Council, Fel Tshisekedi took the podium and pointed the finger at Paul Kagame accusing him of committing crimes against humanity. The accuser further proposed that Rwanda be subjected to sanctions as a consequence. Indeed, it is essential to recognize the significance that the UN plays in international affairs. However, the Congo government’s primary responsibility is to protect its people and not to have shifted the responsibility to the Security council or to anyone else.
    The fundamental security issue is the inability of the Congolese security forces to protect its citizens. For DRC, the complexity of the circumstances is truly remarkable, leaving us with more questions than answers. The ongoing security dilemmas haunting the DRC have lasted for nearly over three decades, with a conspicuous absence of any tangible breakthroughs towards sustainable peace and stability.
    Justice Congo Group believes that In order to effectively tackle given issues, it is essential to first pinpoint and recognize
    underlying symptoms that may be contributing to its persistence. It is essential that we recognize the importance of treating the cause rather than merely masking the surface issue. For example, We acknowledged the immense efforts made now and in the past by the United Nations in DRC, through MONUSCO, and IN support of the many thousands of refugees in the region. However, Robert Garreton’s Mapping Report of 2009, commissioned by the United Nations, remains without full publication, and without following action. This Mapping Report contains descriptions of 617 all violent incidents occurring in the DRC between March 1993 and June 2003, and contains a plan of action on these appalling and gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. If these alleged crimes are brought to justice, the Congolese people will be unable to move forward.
    Currently the SADC mission in the Democratic Republic of Con (SAMIDRC) is under equipped to confront M23 forces wielding surface to air missiles, GPS guided mortars and other high-tech weaponry. What is required is security sector reforms and a democratic state with accountable institutions. What will with the financial contribution made to MONUSCO? Can there continue financial assistance to the current mission to assist military capability? The question remains unanswered why t international community is reluctant to condemn the conduct Rwanda and their continued denial of their involvement with M and its activity
    The international community should treat the escalating co situation in DRC as a priority to prevent losing the gains of the pas For example, the recent statement by Political Counsellor Ferg Eckersley who called on the UN Security Council, to uphold the humanitarian truce in DRC and that the UK “deplore[s] ongoing reports of sexual and gender-based violence” should be leveraged on. In the UK, the Labour Party’s key election promises was “modernize development” which includes a renewal of FCDO
    expertise and focus in priority areas which they list as “support economic transformation, tackling unsustainable debt, empowering women and girls, supporting conflict prevention, and unl climate finance.” These promises should now be converted into concrete actions. 13
    At the International Ministerial Conference on Preventing Se Violence in Conflict Initiative held in London in November 2022 reveals 25 years of tragedy and violence in Democratic Republic Congo – The Fitzrovia News the UK’s national commitments include using UN and UK sanction powers to “deter conflict-related se violence (CRSV) perpetrators” and supporting survivors’ access justice
    The UK’s Women Peace and Security National Action Plan (WPS includes a commitment to accountability, including of the UK’s international partners such as Rwanda
    Further Recommendations Justice Congo Group recommends following:
    Firstly, the UK, America Governments order a parliamentary, House of representatives, enquiry into the allegations of the Rwanda government involvement with it M23, whether they provide military personnel to support M23, any financial support or militia equipment provided to assist M23 in their activities, including Rwandan government’s involvement in dealing with conflict mineral Secondly, if sufficient evidence of Rwandan Government involved with M23 activities is confirmed, to take action against the government by not providing aid or financial assistance to t Rwandan government. In a sudden turn of events like this, urgent action is required to facilitate the prompt evacuation of the Group from the seized territory in the Democratic Republic of Congo
    It is imperative that measures be swiftly implemented to address pressing issues.
    Thirdly, to put forward guidelines/conditions to the DRC government to ensure that security sector reforms and a democratic state wi accountable institutions are established in
    Fourthly; PEACE, SECURITY AND PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS To Integrate the Civilian component into the operation force, (SAMIDR for example; Justice Congo Group and with Local authorities, C Society Organizations; To organize and support Peace and security promotion Agendas and activities focus on Youth, Women, ID other vulnerable categories; • Monitor and analyze the actions of a actors implicated in the reinforcement of the Protection of Civilian (Human rights activists) in the RDC including international organizations and Bodies (UN / MONUSCO,SADC, AU, EU, ICRG Commonwealth, Embassies, INGO…) and provide appropriate recommendations for sustainable results and bold resilience; Provide Justice Congo Group`s expertise and consultancy on is linked to and affecting the Peace, Security and Protection of Civil issues in the DRC; • Establish, through the Human Rights Monitors and Protection Focal Points` Teams; an Early Warning System v community – based Alert networks to prevent, preempt and respond to Peace, Security and Protection of Civilians` risks and threats close collaboration with all relevant and implicated stakeholder
    Fifthly; HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE, RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT JUSTICE CONGO GROUP intends to: Develop partnerships in the humanitarian community and coordinate with relevant authority Civil Society Organizations to find and design sustainable solutions identified humanitarian needs in the three (3) provinces of S Kivu, North Kivu and Ituri;
    • Implement a series of Humanitarian activities in Education, H Human Rights…sectors to reduce and alleviate the suffering vulnerable people in conflicts affected areas and reinforce t resilience;
    • Seek for fundings to finance and implement the Humanitaria recovery and development activities as stated ab
    • Develop partnerships in the humanitarian community and coordinate with relevant authorities, Civil Society Organization find and design sustainable solutions to identified human needs in the three (3) provinces of South Kivu, North Kivu and Ituri; • Implement a series of Humanitarian activities in Education, H Human Rights…sectors to reduce and alleviate the suffering of vulnerable people in conflict affected areas and reinforce t resilience.
    sixthly; JUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHTS AND INCLUSION
    “JUSTICE FOR CONGO” NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
    For this Core Pillar, Justice Congo Group will organize a Four year “JUSTICE FOR CONGO /JUSTICE POUR LE CONGO” Campaign with the following objective
    • Organize a massive campaign at local, national and international levels for equitable access to Justice for all Congolese Citizens judiciary pursuits to all actors and perpetrators of Human Rights Violation
    • Advocacy with national and international organization International Court, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International Criminal Court, International Justice Court, Afr
    Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, African Court on Human and Peoples Rights…) for the support for the execution of different Reports on international crimes committed in
    Democratic Republic of Congo: UN Mapping Report.
    • Develop the international network with the signing Memorandum of Understanding for wider and stronger working and advocacy relationship
    For more information please do not hesitate to contact

    KENYATA CHRISTIAN MIRINDI, Directors, Justice Congo Group UK
    Email: retracted
    JUSTICE CONGO GROUP | Genocide against the son and daughters of DRC. Human rights abuses

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