On February 4, 2025, South Africa’s Deputy Defense Minister and Chief of Defense addressed a press conference initially planned as a private briefing. The decision to make it public sparked intense debate as officials discussed South Africa’s controversial peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Chief of Defense summarized the country’s deployment, stating that the mission was mandated by both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) to help stabilize the region.
However, instead of merely maintaining peace, South African forces reportedly became directly involved in combat alongside the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) against the M23 movement. The movement have made significant territorial gains, seizing Sake, Goma, and even Goma International Airport. These clashes have resulted in the deaths of 14 South African soldiers, with many more wounded.
The Chief of Defense explained that efforts were underway to recover the bodies of fallen soldiers and evacuate the injured in cooperation with the United Nations and MONUSCO.
During the conference, officials faced heated questions from lawmakers who expressed anger and concern about the military’s involvement in a foreign war:
“We were told this was a peacekeeping mission, but it’s clear our soldiers are fighting an enemy in another country. Do you realize these are someone’s fathers, brothers, and spouses who are dying?”
Another legislator questioned whether President Cyril Ramaphosa had personal motives for the deployment:
“Is it true that the President has interests in protecting mining operations in the DRC?”
“If this was an AU mission, was South Africa obligated to participate? Why does it always have to be us? Why aren’t other nations contributing their forces?”
“We didn’t send our young men to keep the peace we sent them to war. And now they’re dying.”
Another referenced a recent interview with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on CNN, where he highlighted hidden interests fueling the conflict. The MP asserted that South Africa, too, had such vested interests.
“We’re tired of losing our soldiers for the mining interests of President Ramaphosa and his family,” the legislator added bluntly.
The defense minister was also reminded of previous concerns regarding the country’s limited defense budget. Lawmakers criticized the decision to deploy troops to a combat zone despite inadequate resources, calling it a reckless move.
