South Africa to withdraw troops from Congo
South Africa will withdraw its troops from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement late on Saturday.
Ramaphosa has told U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the decision, which was influenced by the need to “realign” the resources of South Africa’s armed forces, the statement said.
South Africa has supported U.N. peacekeeping efforts in Congo for 27 years and has more than 700 soldiers deployed there.
The U.N. mission had a total of nearly 11,000 troops and police deployed when its mandate was extended in December.
The U.N. mission’s mandate is to counter the many rebel groups active in Congo’s restive east, where conflict has raged for decades and where there has been a recent escalation in fighting.
“South Africa will work jointly with the U.N. to finalise the timelines and other modalities of the withdrawal, which will be completed before the end of 2026,” the statement added.
South Africa will continue to maintain close bilateral ties with Congo’s government and support other multilateral efforts to bring lasting peace to Congo, Ramaphosa’s office said.
- Reporting by Alexander Winning.
Loading ...
We are a peaceful nation, and our worst enemy is by far, our own selves.
We are ready for change, price control, rent control, title deeds with rent to own, free schooling, NHI, fair employment, Controlled migration and immigration, and the controlled trade on the use of domestic currancies.
Watch this space, South Africa is ready to change. The Peoples Government of Nation/National Unity, with its reformed Democratic Alliances are ready to lead. Vote with your head, your heart will follow.
Peace will prevail for us Africans, on the Continent of Africa.