DRC-Nine South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers have died in a deadly clash with M23 rebels in the volatile eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the SANDF confirmed on Friday.
The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), deployed to stabilise the conflict-ridden region.
The two-day battle unfolded as M23 rebels launched an aggressive assault aimed at seizing Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu.
South African forces, supported by regional allies, mounted a robust defence to prevent the rebel advance and push back the insurgents.
“The M23 hostile forces had launched a full-scale attack on our troops with the intention of taking over Goma but were unable to advance due to the heroic resistance put up by our gallant fighters,” read a statement from the SANDF. “Our forces were not only able to halt the M23 advancement but were able to push them back.”
The confrontation claimed the lives of seven SANDF personnel and two others serving under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
Several soldiers were injured, though details on the extent of their injuries remain unclear.
The SANDF is notifying the fallen soldiers’ families, and Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga is offering her condolences.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and security,” she said.
South Africa deployed its troops to the eastern DRC in December 2023 under the auspices of the SADC mission to address the persistent instability caused by ongoing clashes between government forces and armed groups like M23.
Despite a series of defeats in recent months, the M23 rebels continue to pose a significant threat, controlling swathes of territory and staging attacks that undermine peace efforts.
The broader conflict in the DRC, which has raged for decades, stems from deep-rooted ethnic tensions, competition for control over mineral-rich territories, and weak governance.
The M23, named after the 23 March 2009 peace accord they claim was never fully implemented, re-emerged as a significant force in 2021, intensifying the regional crisis.
Despite the significant challenges, the South African government reaffirmed its dedication to the SAMIDRC mission, emphasising the need to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC.
Analysts warn that without sustained and coordinated regional and international efforts, rebel groups like M23 will remain a destabilising force.
Further updates on the condition of the injured soldiers and the SANDF’s operational strategy in the DRC are expected in the coming days.
IOL News