The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Defence Minister, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, is currently on a state visit to South Africa to enhance “strategic defence capabilities” between the two nations, according to South Africa’s government.
The visit, set to conclude on Thursday, comes at a critical time as the conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC intensifies. South African troops deployed under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission have suffered significant losses in recent months.
South Africa’s defence ministry described the visit as an opportunity to “further strengthen and enhance longstanding bilateral defence relations” between both nations. Discussions between Minister Muadiamvita and his South African counterpart, Angie Motshekga, will focus on “key areas of defence cooperation and bolstering strategic defence capabilities.” The ministry emphasized the partnership’s importance in fostering regional peace and stability.
In January, 14 South African soldiers were killed in eastern DRC amid intensified fighting with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, which has seized key territories. Most of the casualties were from the SADC mission deployed in December 2023 to support the DRC government. Additionally, at least two South African troops, serving under a separate United Nations peacekeeping force, were also killed.
These developments have fueled tensions between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Kagame, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), accused South African forces of engaging in “offensive combat operations” rather than peacekeeping. He warned that if South Africa preferred confrontation, “Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day.”
Amid the escalating situation, the SADC announced in mid-March that it would withdraw its military deployment, the bulk of which comprises South African troops.
On March 18, Qatar unexpectedly hosted talks between Rwanda’s President Kagame and DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi, where they pledged commitment to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” However, despite this diplomatic effort, M23 rebels have continued their offensive. Last week, they captured Walikale, a key mining hub and their furthest advance westward since 2012.
With tensions high and peace efforts uncertain, the ongoing defence talks between South Africa and the DRC remain crucial in determining the next steps for security and stability in the region.
