Ramaphosa optimistic about peace in DRC! President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence that a peaceful resolution to the deadly conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is within reach.
Following a joint meeting between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) on Monday night, Ramaphosa said there was light at the end of the tunnel regarding the ongoing civil war in the DRC.
A Step Towards Peace
Speaking on Tuesday at the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) conference in Boksburg, Ramaphosa described the meeting as positive and a step forward in the peace process.
Peace in DRC
The civil war, which has intensified since the start of the year, has resulted in over 7,000 deaths and has left thousands more displaced. The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has been battling the Congolese army, creating one of the most severe humanitarian crises in Africa.
A fragile ceasefire has been negotiated between the warring parties, but lasting peace remains uncertain.
SADC and EAC’s Role in the Peace Process
Ramaphosa emphasized that SADC and EAC leaders were committed to ensuring a permanent ceasefire and the eventual withdrawal of foreign forces from the DRC.
“We also appointed facilitators who are now going to be hands-on in ensuring the various parties and stakeholders meet, negotiate, talk among themselves, and find peace,” Ramaphosa stated.
He added that for South Africa, this was an encouraging development, giving hope that the region would soon see the end of conflict.
The Humanitarian Toll
The DRC conflict has caused an immense humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians killed and many more displaced.
Human rights groups and international organizations have repeatedly called for intervention, warning that continued violence could escalate into a full-scale regional war.
The United Nations and African Union (AU) have also been actively involved in trying to broker peace between the two sides.
Withdrawal of South African Troops
South Africa has played a key role in peacekeeping efforts in the DRC, with its troops deployed as part of a regional intervention force.
Ramaphosa confirmed that South African troops would begin phased withdrawal over the next few months as part of the broader plan to stabilize the region.
The withdrawal plan is in line with discussions on reducing foreign military presence in the DRC to allow for a locally-driven peace process.
Hope for a Lasting Resolution
Despite past peace efforts failing, the recent joint initiative between SADC and the EAC has raised new hope for a sustainable resolution.
The key to success, according to Ramaphosa, lies in ongoing negotiations, commitment from all parties, and the support of regional and international stakeholders.
With facilitators now working to bridge the divide between conflicting factions, South Africa and its regional partners are optimistic that long-term peace can be achieved.
“For us, as South Africa, it was a very encouraging moment. We can now say there is light at the end of this tunnel where there’s been conflict,” Ramaphosa concluded.
As the peace process unfolds, the world will be watching to see whether this latest effort marks the beginning of lasting stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.