Niël Terblanché
The government has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict and deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Penda Naanda, the executive director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, in a statement released on Monday, stressed the urgency of a diplomatic solution to prevent the conflict from spilling over into neighbouring countries, potentially igniting a regional crisis.
“Namibia reiterates the need to redouble regional efforts in finding lasting solutions to the conflict in our sister country,” Naanda said.
He reiterated that regional peace and stability are essential for economic development and integration.
“Namibia expresses hope that only regional mediation and diplomatic efforts will bring about lasting peace in the DRC and halt the tension between the DRC and the Republic of Rwanda,” he said.
The statement aligns with the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) position, expressing solidarity with the people of the DRC and commending their resilience amidst attacks by the M23 and other armed groups.
Namibia has called on all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilian lives, and allow unhindered humanitarian aid to affected areas.
The government also echoed the African Union’s appeal for international support for populations in eastern DRC.
“Namibia offers sincerest condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers who died on the frontlines in clashes with rebels from the M23 group,” Naanda stated while also advocating for an end to the violent conflict in the DRC and across the African continent.
This statement follows recent reports of increased hostilities in the region.
The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have seized control of Goma, a key city in eastern DRC.
The Congolese government has condemned this action as a “declaration of war,” escalating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.
The international community, including the United Nations, United States, and European Union, has condemned Rwanda’s involvement and called for the withdrawal of their military support.
In related developments, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties among international peacekeepers.
Recent clashes with M23 rebels have led to the deaths of 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers, including nine members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The SANDF soldiers were part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), deployed to support the Congolese army in combating rebel forces.
The South African Department of Defence confirmed the casualties, stating that they occurred during two days of intense fighting as M23 rebels advanced towards Goma.
Naanda stated that the Namibian government will continue to monitor the situation closely and repeated that call for diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability in the DRC and the broader region.
