The Zimbabwean military, under the leadership of General Constantino Chiwenga, Robert Mugabe, and Emmerson Mnangagwa, has long been considered one of the most formidable military forces in Southern Africa.
It earned particular recognition for its pivotal role in repelling the Rwandan military and pushing them out of Kinshasa, potentially preventing the overthrow of the Congolese government by Rwanda’s James Kabarebe.
In terms of military power within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Zimbabwe’s forces are considered unmatched.
However, the withdrawal of the Zimbabwean Defense Forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2002—partially due to Western sanctions and international pressure—set the stage for continued instability in the region. Since that time, numerous rebel factions, many backed by Rwanda, have gained control over large areas of the DRC, with the M23 group standing out as one of the most influential.
On the other hand, South Africa’s military, despite having substantial resources, remains largely untested in real combat. The South African forces have faced significant challenges against insurgent groups, such as when they were overrun by rebels in Goma. This lack of combat experience has raised concerns about South Africa’s ability to effectively address regional conflicts.
Faced with escalating regional tensions, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was compelled to engage in diplomatic dialogue with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, seeking to manage relations and ensure stability in the region.
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