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.