Watch| SA concerned with ongoing conflict in DRC that could embroil the wider region.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola has described the current security situation in the eastern DRC as “utterly appalling and unacceptable”.

“South Africa strongly condemns the recent activities of the M23 rebel group in North Kivu province, which has now affected Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, and surrounding areas.

“We would also like to condemn Rwanda for its support of the M23 as clearly proven by various United Nations reports of experts.”

He urged the Congolese and Rwandan governments to resuscitate talks in the context of the Luanda Peace Process, facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço.

The Minister stated that South Africa is making every effort to promote much-needed peace and stability in the eastern DRC.

According to Lamola, this is being achieved through the deployment of peacekeepers, as part of both the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the SAMIDRC.

“The unfortunate deaths of 13 of our patriots paid an ultimate sacrifice in our efforts to silence the guns in the eastern DRC to bring about peace and stability that the Congolese people have been yearning for over three decades.”

The security council issued a statement demanding that the rebels halt their advance towards Goma and that “external forces” in the region withdraw.

The M23 previously captured Goma in 2012, but withdrew soon after when Rwanda came under intense diplomatic pressure. 

There are fears that this time the conflict in eastern DRC, a battle for the region’s vast mineral resources, could embroil the wider region.

Watch the interview in the video below:

Video Courtesy of Fullview.

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