Fellow South Africans,
Following the latest intensification of combating within the jap Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Africa has misplaced 13 courageous troopers who had been devoted to their mission and dedicated to peace. The combating is the results of an escalation by the insurgent group, M23 and Rwanda Defence Power (RDF) militia partaking the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission within the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
On behalf of the Authorities and the folks of our nation, I categorical our sincerest condolences to their households, their family members and colleagues. We bow our heads in honor of their heroic and gallant combat for peace.
We honour and mourn them.
All obligatory help is being offered to the households of the deceased and the households of the injured. The method to repatriate the stays of the deceased is underway.
The assaults on peacekeepers resulted within the deaths of SAMIDRC members from different troop contributing international locations, specifically; Malawi and Tanzania, as nicely members of the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission within the DRC (MONUSCO) brigade. We honour all of the lives that had been misplaced and move our condolences to their households, governments and residents. The scenario in Goma and Sake, the place our troops and their counterparts are stationed, stays very tense, unstable and unpredictable.
The Minister of Defence and Navy Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga and the Chief of the SANDF, Gen Rudzani Maphwanya and SAMIDRC Power Commander, Maj Gen Monwabisi Dyakopu are working to make sure that the SAMIDRC forces stay nicely geared up and sufficiently supported throughout this important mission.
We’re involved in regards to the hypothesis in regards to the state of our troops and the battle situations. All South Africans should rally behind our courageous women and men who’ve devoted their lives to bringing peace in our continent.
South Africa’s army presence within the jap DRC shouldn’t be a declaration of conflict towards any nation or state. The members of the South African Nationwide Defence Power (SANDF) which might be within the DRC are a part of each SADC and United Nations (UN) efforts to deliver peace and defend 1000’s of lives which might be continually threatened by the battle within the DRC. The presence of the SAMIDRC forces demonstrates a dedication of SADC member states to supporting the DRC in its efforts to attain lasting peace and stability and in the end, create an enabling surroundings for sustainable growth and prosperity.
We welcome the place that was just lately adopted by the United Nations Safety Council (UNSC) throughout its particular sitting on the scenario within the DRC, which requires an instantaneous finish to hostilities, the reversal of territorial enlargement by the M23, the exit of exterior forces from the DRC and the resumption of peace talks below the Nairobi Course of.
The territorial integrity of the DRC should be revered in accordance with the United Nations Constitution on the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of different states.
We name on all events to this battle to totally embrace the present diplomatic efforts which might be geared toward discovering a peaceable decision, together with honoring the Luanda Course of agreements. We should silence the weapons on our continent for the attainment of inclusive growth and prosperity.
I thanks.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.