https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250325/dr-congo-and-south-africa-strengthen-defense-ties-amid-escalating-conflict-in-the-east-1071255490.html

DR Congo and South Africa Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Escalating Conflict in the East

Sputnik Africa

The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified in recent months, with the M23 seizing large swathes of territory, including the strategic mining hub of Walikale... 25.03.2025, Sputnik Africa

2025-03-25T11:48+0100

m23 rebels offensive in dr congo (2025)

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The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Defense Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita began a four-day visit to South Africa on Monday aimed at bolstering "strategic defense capabilities" between the two nations.The talks, held with South African Defense Minister Angie Motshekga, focus on enhancing longstanding bilateral defense relations and addressing key areas of cooperation. According to South Africa’s defense ministry, this partnership is "crucial for fostering peace, security, and stability across the region."The visit comes as tensions escalate in eastern DRC, where 14 South African soldiers were killed in January, sparking a diplomatic spat between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The latter accused the SADC forces of engaging in offensive operations rather than peacekeeping.Despite Qatar hosting talks in March between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, which resulted in pledges for an immediate ceasefire, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Meanwhile, the SADC announced in mid-March that it would conclude its military deployment, raising questions about future regional security efforts.

https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250324/angola-refuses-to-remain-mediator-in-drc-military-conflict-1071237836.html

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DR Congo and South Africa Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Escalating Conflict in the East

© Photo X / @SANDF_ZASouth African Defense Minister Angie Motshekga receives an official visit from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and Military Veterans of the DRC, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, in Pretoria on 24 to 27 March 2025.

South African Defense Minister Angie Motshekga receives an official visit from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and Military Veterans of the DRC, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, in Pretoria on 24 to 27 March 2025. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 25.03.2025

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The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified in recent months, with the M23 seizing large swathes of territory, including the strategic mining hub of Walikale last week—the farthest west the group has advanced since 2012.

The talks, held with South African Defense Minister Angie Motshekga, focus on enhancing longstanding bilateral defense relations and addressing key areas of cooperation. According to South Africa’s defense ministry, this partnership is "crucial for fostering peace, security, and stability across the region."

A pro-Congo demonstrator holds a sign outside of a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, March 17, 2025. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 24.03.2025

M23 Rebels Offensive in DR Congo (2025)

Angola Refuses to Remain Mediator in DRC Military Conflict

The visit comes as tensions escalate in eastern DRC, where 14 South African soldiers were killed in January, sparking a diplomatic spat between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The latter accused the SADC forces of engaging in offensive operations rather than peacekeeping.

Despite Qatar hosting talks in March between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, which resulted in pledges for an immediate ceasefire, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Meanwhile, the SADC announced in mid-March that it would conclude its military deployment, raising questions about future regional security efforts.