
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has called for the immediate withdrawal of South African soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a tragic loss of nine soldiers while on duty. The party expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers.
In a media statement issued on 26 January 2025, the MK Party criticised the escalating violence in the DRC , where South African troops have been stationed as part of a peacekeeping mission. What was initially a noble effort to stabilise the region and protect civilians has, according to MK Party , devolved into full-scale civil war.
The situation in the DRC has deteriorated far beyond the initial peace mission for which our troops were deployed. What began as a noble attempt to stabilise the region and protect civilians has now escalated into full-blown civil war, with competing factions plunging the nation further into chaos.

The MK Party stated that it firmly believes that the conflict is political at its core and cannot be resolved through military means. The Party calls upon the South African government to urgently withdraw South African soldiers from the DRC to prevent further loss of life and to prioritise their safety.
The Party also urged the South African government to shift focus towards diplomacy, advocating for a political resolution to the conflict. The party called for increased regional diplomacy and engagement with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to facilitate a ceasefire and push for peace talks between the warring factions.
The MK Party stated that it remains committed to the principles of Pan-Africanism and regional solidarity but asserts that South Africa’s role in the DRC must shift from military intervention to championing a political process that brings peace to the region.