By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the current situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which is mired in conflict and violence requires our urgent attention.
“The resurgence of the M23, an armed group that was thought to have been dismantled in 2013/2014, is even more worrying,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa was speaking in Bunjumbura, Burundi, where he was participating in the 11th High Level Segment of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the DRC and the Great Lakes region.
To date, Ramaphosa, said more than 800 000 people have been displaced by the conflict.
“We cannot but be moved by their plight, and by the gross violations of human rights that are taking place. We cannot but be outraged at the scale of violence being perpetrated against women and girls, and by the blatant disregard of the provisions of international humanitarian law.”
This year marks 10 years since the PSC Framework was signed in 2013.
“At the time, hopes were high that the signing of the framework would usher in peace, security, stability and development for the DRC and the Great Lakes Region. Unfortunately, a decade later, these noble goals have not been achieved.”
Ramaphosa believes that actionable decisions need to be taken to address the shortcomings emanating from the framework not being implemented.
“It is critical that all parties to the framework demonstrate the highest political will, and reaffirm their commitment to its successfully implementation.”
He said South Africa fully supports the revitalisation efforts of the PSC Framework to respond to the current evolving challenges.
Ramaphosa pledged South Africa’s full support to efforts to revitalise the PSC framework to respond to the “current evolving challenges”.
South Africa is expected to assume an unwavering leadership role in a hitherto ideologically rudderless continent and export its electoral and democratic workings and values to fragile African states.
He also expressed South Africa’s deep concern about the unfolding crisis in Sudan.
“We call upon the warring armed forces to put down their weapons for the sake of preserving human life, and to begin dialogue and negotiations without delay.
“We further call on the Sudanese authorities to swiftly work towards the restoration of civilian-led government, in line with the Political Framework Agreement signed in December last year.”
He told delegates that he hopes the second decade of existence of the PSC Framework will “breathe new life” into its implementation.