More South Africa soldiers die as SANDF surrenders to MK23 liberators

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has reported the deaths of four additional soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bringing the total fatalities to 13 in the past week amid escalating clashes with the M23 rebel militia.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Siphiwe Dlamini, Head of Communication at the Department of Defence, revealed that three SANDF members were killed during an exchange of mortar fire between the DRC military (FARDC) and the M23 rebels near Goma Airport on Monday, January 27. The airport, which also houses an SANDF base, became a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict.

A fourth SANDF soldier, injured in earlier battles with M23 rebels, succumbed to injuries despite receiving medical attention at the Level 3 Hospital in Goma. Several injured soldiers remain under medical care.

Despite the mounting casualties, the SANDF reaffirmed its commitment to peacekeeping duties under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). "Our troops continue to operate with resolve, courage, and discipline in pursuit of peace and stability in the region," the SANDF stated.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, her deputies, and SANDF leadership extended their condolences to the families of the deceased and the broader defence community.

The SANDF addressed concerns raised by a video circulating on social media showing its soldiers raising a white flag at a base in Sake, 23 km northwest of Goma. According to Dlamini, the white flag was raised following an agreement between opposing forces to observe a truce. The agreement allowed the M23 to recover their dead and injured while facilitating access to medical facilities for SANDF troops. "This is common practice in any war and should not be misconstrued as a surrender," Dlamini emphasized.

The truce reportedly lapsed without M23 retrieving their dead, and tensions remain high, with SANDF troops confined to their bases in Goma and Sake. They face significant challenges, including limited access to medical care, supplies, and reinforcements.

The fighting in the eastern DRC has intensified, with M23 rebels claiming to have captured Goma. However, FARDC, SANDF, and MONUSCO forces are believed to maintain control of strategic locations, including Goma Airport, although flights have been suspended. FARDC continues to hold key areas such as the port.

The conflict has been further complicated by reports of Rwandan troops openly supporting M23 rebels. The DRC government has labeled Rwanda's involvement an act of war, severed diplomatic ties, and accused FARDC units of surrendering to Rwandan forces. The UN estimates Rwanda has deployed 3,000 to 5,000 troops in the region.

The tragic loss of SANDF lives has sparked calls for an urgent parliamentary debate to evaluate whether South African troops are adequately equipped for the mission. Democratic Alliance defence spokesperson Chris Hattingh highlighted the need to prevent similar tragedies. Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans is set to convene on Wednesday to address the situation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has also engaged Rwandan President Paul Kagame in discussions on de-escalating the conflict. Both leaders agreed on the urgent need for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks to address the crisis.

As the situation in the eastern DRC deteriorates, the SANDF and its allies face immense challenges in stabilizing the region, while the toll on peacekeepers and civilians continues to rise.