South African troops killed in DR Congo

Two South African soldiers lost their lives in a mortar strike near the eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday. This marks the first casualties for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) since deploying 2,900 soldiers in mid-December to support government forces in combating the resurging M23 rebels.

The SANDF confirmed that a mortar bomb landed inside one of their military bases, causing fatalities and injuries. Three additional soldiers were wounded in the incident, prompting immediate medical attention in Goma, the capital of the conflict-ridden North Kivu province.

The troops from South Africa form part of a larger regional force, including soldiers from Malawi and Tanzania. Tasked with aiding the DRC government in countering the M23 rebels, whose recent resurgence has escalated violence in the region, the mission faces increasing challenges.

The M23, mostly composed of Tutsi fighters, has seized significant territories in North Kivu since reemerging in late 2021. Clashes have intensified around the strategic town of Sake, located approximately 20 kilometers from Goma.

International concerns over the conflict have heightened, with accusations against Rwanda for allegedly supporting the rebels to control the region’s valuable mineral resources. The UN Security Council recently expressed alarm at the escalating violence and condemned the rebel offensive launched on February 7.

The South African military acknowledged the “sketchy” details of the mortar hit and promised a thorough investigation. However, criticism at home has emerged, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) opposing the troop deployment. The opposition party alleges that South African soldiers lack sufficient air support, leaving them vulnerable in unfamiliar terrain.

The casualties have reignited debates on the mission’s relevance to South Africa’s national security. The DA’s shadow defence minister expressed heartbreak over the loss, emphasizing that the government and those authorizing the deployment must bear the consequences. Defence Minister Thandi Modise extended condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured amidst the escalating tensions in the DRC.