Four SANDF Soldiers Killed in DRC
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the deaths of four more South African soldiers in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This brings the total number of fallen South African soldiers to 13 in the last five days as the battle against the M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan troops, continues to escalate.
Three Soldiers Killed in Goma Airport Battle
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini revealed that three of the soldiers lost their lives during fighting at the airport in Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, on Monday, 27 January 2025. The fourth soldier succumbed to injuries sustained in an earlier clash with M23 rebels last week.
Dlamini explained that while SANDF forces were stationed at their base, a mortar attack during a confrontation between M23 and Congolese troops resulted in casualties.
“We, as South Africans, were not involved in any of that confrontation. We were in our base,” Dlamini said.
No Surrender: SANDF Addresses Viral Video
In the wake of the deadly confrontations, a video circulating on social media has sparked misleading claims suggesting that South African soldiers surrendered to M23 rebels. However, SANDF has refuted these allegations.
Dlamini clarified that the footage shows a white flag raised during a truce agreement between the opposing forces. This temporary ceasefire was necessary to allow M23 to recover their dead and injured while also enabling SANDF troops to access medical facilities.
“This is common practice in any war. Let members of the public not be alarmed by a video clip and its meaning,” Dlamini said.
Escalating Conflict and M23’s Advance on Goma
The M23 rebel group, which has been steadily gaining ground with support from Rwandan forces, has pushed closer to Goma, a strategic city along the DRC-Rwanda border. Goma is home to over a million people, making it a key location in the ongoing war.
Despite the growing threat, SANDF remains committed to its peacekeeping mission under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Presidential Talks: Ramaphosa and Kagame Call for Ceasefire
Amid the increasing casualties, President Cyril Ramaphosa has engaged in diplomatic discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to address the deteriorating situation in the Eastern DRC.
The two leaders have agreed on the urgent need for:
✔️ A ceasefire
✔️ Resumption of peace talks involving all parties in the conflict
The South African government has also called on the international community to assist in finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing violence.
SANDF’s Commitment to Peacekeeping
The deaths of four more SANDF soldiers underscore the high-risk nature of South Africa’s peacekeeping efforts in the DRC. As fighting continues and M23 rebels tighten their grip on key areas, SANDF remains focused on its mission while working towards diplomatic solutions with regional and international partners.
As the conflict escalates, the safety of SANDF troops and a long-term resolution to the DRC crisis remain top priorities for South Africa and the broader SADC peacekeeping efforts.
