The South African National Defence Force has has named the 14 soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid escalating violence from rebel forces. File picture
THE DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo (DRC) has requested an emergency session of the United Nations Human Rights Council to address the worsening humanitarian situation in the eastern city of Goma following its capture by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The session, if approved, is set to take place on February 7 in Geneva.
In a parallel development, the Eastern Congo rebel alliance, which includes M23, has declared a ceasefire starting February 4 for humanitarian reasons. The alliance, known as the Congo River Alliance, stated that it had no intention of capturing Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, after seizing Goma last week. Despite this, tensions remain high, with diplomatic efforts intensifying to prevent further escalation.
The conflict continues to claim lives, with South Africa mourning the loss of 14 soldiers killed in the violence. According to Reuters, the Congolese health ministry had recorded 773 people killed and 2,800 wounded in and around Goma in the aftermath of the city's capture as of Saturday.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has yet to confirm the timeline for repatriating the fallen troops, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned the attack that claimed their lives.
South Africa has maintained its military presence in the eastern DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO). President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the importance of South Africa’s role in peacekeeping operations, emphasising that “violence and conflict in Africa is the business of all Africans.”
The president paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, stating, “They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless: the men, women, and children who are the victims of one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.” He reiterated that South Africa remains committed to diplomatic solutions to ensure long-term stability in the region.
The SANDF has meanwhile identified the 14 soldiers killed in the attack, who hailed from different provinces across South Africa, including the Northern Cape and Free State. Their names are:
General Rudzani Maphwanya, SANDF Chief, praised their bravery, stating, “These soldiers displayed extraordinary courage in their confrontation with the M23 rebels who attacked their base.” Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased and the broader defence community.
MOUNTING CRITICISM
While the South African government stands by its peacekeeping mission, the deaths of the soldiers have sparked criticism from security analysts and opposition parties. Some experts argue that the troops were unprepared for the intensity of the mission due to logistical challenges, insufficient supplies, and poor intelligence.
Professor Hussein Solomon from the University of the Free State voiced concerns about the conditions faced by South African soldiers, noting that they lacked adequate food, logistical support, and resources. “Our troops were not prepared for the kind of mission they were up against. President Ramaphosa and the Minister of Defence have a lot to answer for,” he said.
As the conflict in the eastern DRC continues, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are set to attend a joint summit of regional blocs from southern and eastern Africa on February 7-8. The summit aims to explore diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions and stabilise the region.
Meanwhile, the SANDF and SADC have prioritised the repatriation of fallen soldiers, with efforts under way to ensure their dignified return home.
President Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that South Africa remains committed to supporting peace in Africa, stating that “diplomacy is the most sustainable pathway to achieving a lasting peace for the DRC and its people.”