South African Defence Minister Visits DR Congo Amid Escalating Violence

Motshekga is currently in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on a critical visit as the security situation in the eastern part of the country continues to deteriorate. The Minister’s trip follows a recent resurgence of violence by the M23 rebel group, which has led to the displacement of thousands of civilians and raised concerns about regional stability.

Minister Motshekga’s visit aims to assess the welfare of South African soldiers deployed to the DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional force. The SADC force was mandated to support the Congolese army in its fight against armed groups, including the M23. However, recent reports indicate that the M23 has made significant territorial gains, raising questions about the effectiveness of the regional intervention.

During her stay, Minister Motshekga is expected to meet with senior Congolese government officials, including President Felix Tshisekedi, to discuss the evolving security situation and explore ways to enhance cooperation between South Africa and the DRC in addressing the ongoing crisis. The visit also comes at a time when the United Nations is urging all parties to the conflict to de-escalate tensions and engage in peaceful dialogue to find a lasting solution.

The DRC has been plagued by decades of conflict and instability, with numerous armed groups operating in the eastern part of the country. The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, has been particularly active in recent months, capturing several key towns and villages. The group’s resurgence has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, with neighboring countries expressing concerns about the potential for spillover effects.

Minister Motshekga’s visit underscores the growing urgency of the situation in the DRC. The international community is closely watching the developments, with calls for a concerted effort to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further escalat1ion.