WHILE Namibia has not deployed troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the country has met its financial commitments to help address the crisis, with a N$90 million contribution.
This was said by minister of international relations and cooperation Peya Mushelenga on Wednesday.
He said Namibia has been assessed to contribute to the budget of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which was deployed in December 2023 to restore peace and security in eastern DRC.
Eastern DRC has been embroiled in conflict following significant territorial gains by M23 rebels.
Gunfire erupted across parts of Goma, a city with over two million residents, over the weekend, and reports suggest clashes between DRC and Rwandan troops along their shared border on Monday.
Namibia’s contribution to SAMIDRC is about N$90 million as per the assessment approved during the November 2023 extraordinary SADC summit in Luanda.
“Despite our support through SADC for a military intervention, Namibia firmly believes only a diplomatic solution can fully address the current situation,” the minister said.
Mushelenga said as a member of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council, Namibia actively participates in decision-making on continental conflicts, including the DRC crisis.
He said Namibia was scheduled to participate in efforts aimed at finding peace in eastern DRC on Wednesday.
The minister emphasised Namibia’s commitment to international cooperation, peace, and security, citing past involvement in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions in Cambodia, Liberia, Sudan, and South Sudan.
He said in Mozambique, Namibia equally fulfilled its financial obligation and had also sent 18 staff officers to the SADC Mission in Mozambique (Samim) deployed in July 2021, noting that the mission had ended, and all the staff officers returned.
“Namibia also contributes annually to the UN peacekeeping budget,” he said. – Nampa
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
