Ministers of Defense from Congo and South Africa Hold Meeting in Kinshasa
In a significant show of bilateral cooperation, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Me Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, met with his South African counterpart, Angie Motshekga, at the Defense Hotel in Kinshasa on Thursday. This meeting comes at a crucial time as the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) are engaged in combat with the M23 rebels in Sake and the eastern part of the country.
Building Bilateral Defense Cooperation
The purpose of this meeting was to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the DRC and South Africa, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts in the region. The discussions centered around the role of the Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR), a South African contingent operating under the banner of MONUSCO, specifically in the Beni region. This contingent plays a vital role in combating the ADF rebels in the area.
High-Level Talks
Following an initial protocol meeting, a closed-door meeting was held between the two ministers, along with the Chief of the General Staff of the FARDC, Lieutenant-General Jules Banza Mwilambwe, and the SANDF chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya. While details of the meeting were not disclosed, the discussions focused on the mandate of the South African forces within MONUSCO and the security challenges they face.
Assessing Operational Conditions
Minister Angie Motshekga will travel to Beni, in North Kivu, to meet with the South African contingent of MONUSCO. This visit aims to evaluate the operational conditions and well-being of the deployed South African troops in the region. The minister will also engage with local military officials on the strategic adjustments needed in response to recent developments on the ground.
Importance of Sake in Regional Security
The intensifying clashes between FARDC and M23 in Sake, a strategic town near Goma, highlight the significance of this area for the defense of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu. With a critical humanitarian situation and a large influx of displaced persons fleeing combat zones, Sake remains a focal point for regional security efforts.
As the mission of Minister Motshekga continues until January 25, the coordination between FARDC, MONUSCO, and SADC forces remains crucial in countering the security threats posed by the M23 and other armed groups in the region. This visit underscores the commitment of South Africa to promoting peace, stability, and security in the DRC, in line with the bilateral agreement signed between the two countries.