President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to the 14 South African soldiers killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), highlighting their bravery in defending innocent lives amid one of Africa's most enduring conflicts.

This follows the recent deaths of 14 South African soldiers in the eastern DRC, killed in an attack that violated a ceasefire agreement.

The President condemned the attack that killed 14 South African soldiers, which violated a ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda.

He stated, “In the last two weeks, 14 of our soldiers have been killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after coming under attack.

They were killed in violation of a ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda facilitated by President João Lourenço of Angola.”

The President explained that South African soldiers are in the DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) and the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO), and noted that the UN Security Council has condemned the attack, emphasizing that such acts against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes.

In his tribute to the fallen soldiers, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the significance of their sacrifice, stating,

“They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless: the men, women and children who are the victims of one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.”

He also stressed the enduring importance of South Africa's contribution to peace in Africa, reminding the nation of its long history of supporting peace missions across the continent.

“Supporting peace-building and the resolution of conflict in Africa has been a cornerstone of our country’s foreign policy since the advent of democracy,” the President said, reflecting on the country's role in past peace efforts.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that some have questioned South Africa’s presence in the DRC, but he defended the country's mission, asserting that.

“violence and conflict in Africa is the business of all Africans.”

He further called for a collective approach to securing peace, underscoring that the humanitarian, economic, and social impacts of conflict affect the entire continent.

“Instability in any part of the continent affects the prospects for growth and development across the continent,” he stated.

In line with this, the President renewed South Africa's commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the DRC, affirming that the ceasefire and subsequent peace talks are essential for securing a future free from violence.

“Diplomacy is the most sustainable pathway to achieving a lasting peace for the DRC and its people,” Ramaphosa concluded.

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