Malema Advocates for DRC Assistance but Prioritizes South African Lives
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called for South Africa to assist in stabilizing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but emphasized that it should not come at the expense of South African soldiers’ lives. Speaking during a school oversight visit, Malema expressed concern over the long-standing instability in the DRC, attributing much of the turmoil to external influences and resource exploitation.
## **Malema on the DRC Crisis**
Malema highlighted that the DRC has been in a state of chaos for decades due to foreign powers benefiting from its instability. He accused imperial forces in the West of destabilizing the country to gain access to its vast mineral resources.
“If there is any country that was messed up right from the beginning, it is the DRC. They have been destabilized for many years because they want those minerals in the DRC,” Malema stated.
He also condemned the M23 rebels, dismissing them as non-revolutionary. Additionally, he criticized the Congolese leadership for mistreating people in the affected regions but insisted that black-on-black violence does not serve African interests.
## **The Need for Strategic Intervention**
Malema emphasized that any intervention in the DRC should be well-equipped and strategic, rather than recklessly endangering South African troops.
“We should first stabilize the DRC and support SADC initiatives and UN interventions because the stability of the DRC means the stability of SADC, and the stability of SADC means the stability of our continent,” he explained.
He warned that waiting for the crisis to escalate further could have severe consequences for the region. According to him, addressing the issue in the DRC early could prevent similar problems from spreading.
♦️Must Read♦️
The EFF’s letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly requesting urgent attention to the matter in DRC, where the war is escalating and SANDF soldiers are losing their lives at an alarming rate.
Bring Our Soldiers Home! pic.twitter.com/dFpwQEUl9q
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 28, 2025
## **Troop Deployment Concerns**
The EFF leader raised serious concerns about the deployment of South African troops without proper resources to combat the M23 rebels. He argued that sending under-equipped soldiers into conflict zones was reckless and could lead to unnecessary loss of life.
“If you shot nine American soldiers, with the madness that exists in the U.S. Presidency now, they would have flattened you the following day. People are playing jokes with the lives of our brothers, and we must not allow that,” Malema said.
He urged the government to ensure that soldiers are adequately prepared and, if necessary, to withdraw them if sufficient resources cannot be provided.
## **Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis**
The situation in the DRC remains dire, with M23 rebels seizing control of Goma, a key trading and transport hub. Thousands of civilians, as well as some Congolese soldiers, have fled to Rwanda. Reports also indicate that South African soldiers have suffered casualties due to inadequate equipment and difficult combat conditions.
## **Conclusion**
Malema’s statements highlight the urgent need for a well-planned and properly equipped intervention in the DRC. While he supports efforts to stabilize the region, he insists that South African lives should not be risked unnecessarily. His call for a strategic approach reflects growing concerns over the safety of deployed troops and the broader impact of instability in the region.
