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Ramaphosa blames M23 and Rwandan soldiers for surge in DRC fighting

Details

ramaphosa2BL Premium reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa has blamed the escalation of fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which led to the deaths of 13 SA soldiers, on the rebel M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia.

Ramaphosa, who has held two phone conversations with Rwanda counterpart Paul Kagame over the surge in fighting, said the deployment of the SANDF in the mineral-rich state was not a “declaration of war” against any country. SA is actively pushing for a ceasefire through various diplomatic forums including the UN Security Council, the AU and SA Development Community (Sadc), and has demanded that M23 and Rwanda remove their forces. SA has also supported calls by the UN Security Council for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from the region and halt its support of M23. The rebel group on Sunday took control of the city of Goma, a key hub in the crossfire between M23 and the Congolese armed forces. “The territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected in accordance with the UN charter on the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other states. We call on all parties to this conflict to fully embrace the current diplomatic efforts that are aimed at finding a peaceful resolution, including honouring the Luanda process agreements,” Ramaphosa said in a statement. The takeover of Goma by M23 “complicates” the push by SA and other actors calling for a ceasefire as it adds another dimension to the conflict, said defence minister Angie Motshekga.

  • Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thando Maeko at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
  • Read too, Ramaphosa lauds 'brave' soldiers who died in the DRC as portfolio committee demands answers, at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)


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