By Thapelo Molefe
President Cyril Ramaphosa is optimistic about the outcomes of a summit in Tanzania over the weekend which discussed how to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a major breakthrough for peace efforts in the eastern DRC, the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) agreed to resume direct negotiations between all state and non-state actors, including the M23 rebel group.
This unprecedented diplomatic move marks a critical step toward resolving the long-standing conflict that has plagued the region for decades.
In his weekly letter on Monday, Ramaphosa said the summit provided a beacon of hope for the troubled eastern DRC.
“As South Africa, we have steadfastly maintained that diplomacy is the most sustainable solution to this conflict,” he said.
The conflict in the eastern DRC has escalated in recent months, with the M23 rebel group gaining control over key areas, including the strategic city of Goma.
The presence of foreign armed forces and ongoing clashes between rebel factions and the Congolese army have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
Acknowledging the sacrifices made by peacekeeping forces, Ramaphosa paid tribute to the 14 South African National Defence Force troops who recently lost their lives in the region.
“Their deaths, alongside troops from other African nations, signal an alarming escalation in the conflict,” he said.
One of the key resolutions from the summit was the call for an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities between warring parties.
“A ceasefire will allow humanitarian aid corridors to operate and bring much-needed supplies to civilians caught in the crossfire,” Ramaphosa stated.
Additionally, EAC and SADC chiefs of defence forces have been tasked with developing a securitisation plan for Goma, including reopening its airport and ensuring the safe evacuation of civilians.
The summit also reaffirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, calling for the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from Congolese territory.
“This is a major step forward,” said Ramaphosa. “The outcomes from the summit are, in essence, confidence-building measures towards a sustainable peace.”
Under the leadership of Kenyan President William Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the summit demonstrated a unified regional approach to ending the crisis.
Many believe this collaborative effort marks a turning point in the DRC’s struggle for peace and stability.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the summit, Ramaphosa invoked the words of Congolese revolutionary Patrice Lumumba: “We are not alone. Africa, the free peoples and the peoples fighting for their freedom in all corners of the world will always be side by side with the millions of Congolese who will not give up the struggle.”
“South Africa stands in solidarity with the Congolese people and their aspiration to live in peace and security,” Ramaphosa said.
“We reaffirm our commitment to a diplomatic and political solution that prioritises the stability of the DRC and its neighbouring countries, safeguarding the peace and well-being of the Congolese people.”
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