South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional peace, warning that South Africa cannot remain untouched by conflicts in neighboring nations. His recent affirmations came as he defended the deployment of troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo following the killing of 14 South African peacekeepers.
South Africa’s foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, has reiterated the country’s responsibility to assist in resolving regional conflicts, emphasizing that South Africa cannot remain unaffected by instability in its neighborhood. Speaking in parliament on Monday, Lamola defended the government’s deployment of peacekeepers to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the recent killing of 14 South African soldiers there.
“Our nation will not be at peace if our regional community suffers in turmoil,” Lamola stated, countering criticism from lawmakers who called for the withdrawal of South African troops. He stressed that South Africa’s own freedom was achieved through international solidarity, adding, “If we are serious about silencing the guns, we must participate in regional efforts under SADC, the African Union, or the UN.”
Opposition leaders, including Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters and Mmusi Maimane of Build One South Africa, urged the government to bring troops home, citing the increasing risks and underfunding of the military.
It should be recalled that the 14 South African peacekeepers were among 20 killed in January during clashes with M23 rebels in eastern Congo. Defense Minister Angie Motshekga announced their bodies would return on Thursday, with full military honors for the fallen soldiers.
The UN reports over 3,000 deaths and 500,000 displacements since January 26, as the M23 rebels claim control of Goma and continue their offensive.
