On Monday, 30 June 2025, a group of Congolese nationals marched through the streets of Cape Town, arriving at Parliament to mark the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Independence Day.
Congolese group hands over memorandum to Parliament
Instead of celebrating independence, the group used the day to spotlight the ongoing war in the eastern DRC and to call for international attention and action.
Mr Kadima, one of the marchers, said the community could not celebrate this day due to the current violence in their home country.
“We are not in peace,” he said.
“In our memorandum, we explained everything that is happening — a war imposed on us by Rwanda. All this is because of our minerals. That’s why our people are running away, and why many of us are here in South Africa.”
The demonstrators handed over a memorandum to Parliament, detailing how the war — allegedly backed by Rwandan interests — has continued to force Congolese civilians from their homes.
The march was peaceful but charged with frustration and sorrow. Kadima, who has lived in South Africa for over two decades, said returning to the DRC now would mean putting his family’s life in danger.
What’s the latest on the DRC-Rwanda war?
The march coincided with developments in international diplomacy. Rwanda and the DRC are expected to sign a peace deal mediated by the United States. This follows months of violence that has displaced millions and killed thousands in the resource-rich region.
While Rwanda denies backing the M23 rebel group, the DRC maintains that its neighbour is fuelling the war to gain access to mineral wealth.
South Africa has also been directly involved. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployed troops to the DRC as part of a regional peacekeeping mission under the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Some soldiers were also operating under the UN’s MONUSCO mission. However, SANDF troops have faced fierce attacks from the M23 rebels.
Several South African soldiers were killed during these operations. Their remains were returned home during a hand-over ceremony held at the Air Force Base in Swartkop on 13 February 2025.
The South African government has expressed condolences and pledged to continue its involvement in stabilising the DRC.
Still, political pressure within South Africa is growing. Opposition parties, including the DA, EFF, Action SA, and others, have criticised the SANDF’s involvement.
They argue that troops were sent without adequate planning or equipment, with DA defence spokesperson Chris Hattingh stating that they were “fighting highly trained rebels with insufficient support.”
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga defended the deployment, saying peacekeeping in Africa has been part of South Africa’s foreign policy since 1997. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola added that an abrupt withdrawal could leave troops vulnerable and would undermine regional peace efforts.
The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile. While the peace deal offers some hope, its success will depend on effective enforcement and sustained regional cooperation.
For those who marched in Cape Town, the message was clear: the world must not look away.
