South Africa has announced its efforts to bolster support for its troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The conflict, which involves the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and the Congolese army along with its allies, has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 South African soldiers.
“The M23 has been capturing villages and towns over the past month, and we are aware that they reached a location called Sake, where our operational base is situated,” stated Siphiwe Dlamini, spokesperson for South Africa’s National Defense Force.
“When our base came under attack, we responded and successfully pushed them back.”
Dlamini reported that 10 soldiers lost their lives while responding to the assault, while others were killed during clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese forces on Monday, when mortars struck their base.
He also mentioned that the government is in the process of repatriating the bodies of the deceased soldiers, a task that may take longer than usual due to the unstable situation in Goma.
Dlamini indicated that it remains uncertain whether additional troops will be dispatched to the area for reinforcement.
“We are actively working on providing more support to them to prevent further loss of life, while ensuring the safety of those delivering supplies.”
The decision regarding the deployment of additional soldiers is expected to be addressed at the extraordinary summit of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Thursday.
The South African forces are integrated into the regional bloc’s peacekeeping contingent in the area.
President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to the mission as “critical,” emphasizing its goal of fostering enduring peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Dlamini stated that, despite ongoing clashes, the South African mission continues to focus on peacekeeping efforts.
