Pretoria, South Africa – In a poignant address on February 3, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to 14 South African soldiers who lost their lives during an M23 rebel attack in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), tasked with maintaining peace in a region plagued by violence.
The attack, which violated a ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, has drawn strong condemnation from the UN Security Council, which labeled it a potential war crime. President Ramaphosa referred to the fallen soldiers as “heroes” who sacrificed their lives to protect vulnerable civilians caught in one of the world’s longest-running conflicts. He emphasized that their bravery should not be forgotten as South Africa continues its commitment to peacekeeping efforts across Africa.
The DRC has faced relentless violence since 1996, resulting in over seven million internally displaced individuals and numerous human rights violations. South Africa’s involvement in peacekeeping dates back to 1999, and Ramaphosa reiterated the country’s dedication to resolving conflicts through diplomatic means while ensuring the safety of its troops.