SANDF vehicles in Sake, 25km north-west of Goma, on 23 January 2025. Picture: Michael Lunanga/AFP
With at least 13 casualties and no ammunition, South African soldiers in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), face a dire situation. They were deployed to fight M23 rebels in that country.
On Monday, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini confirmed that troops were caught “in a very tense situation” at their bases in Goma and Sake.
Surrounded by M23 rebels, they are unable to receive supplies and reinforcements. They also cannot leave their bases to find medical care.
Earlier in the day, Goma, capital and largest city of North Kivu Province in eastern DRC was captured by M23. The armed group declared that “the liberation of the city has been successfully carried out, and the situation is under control”.
Approximately 2 900 SANDF are on DRC soil. They were sent as part of efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SANDF) to battle armed groups, including M23.
But back home, there is growing concern about South Africa’s involvement in the war. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA have criticised the deployment of soldiers.
“The EFF is deeply disturbed by the lack of urgency and respect shown by the SANDF in informing the public and the families of the fallen soldiers. It is unacceptable that South Africans were forced to rely on foreign sources for news of this devastating loss, as SANDF delayed in releasing critical information,” EFF said in a statement.
Chris Hattingh, DA spokesman on defence and military veterans, wants defence minister Angie Motshekga to brief Parliament on the “deteriorating and calamitous situation” in DRC, at the same time criticising her “deafening silence, lack of compassion and deliberate withholding of information regarding the plight of our brave soldiers”.
Home to two million people, Goma has a stretched history of conflict. Incidents include the 1994 Hutu refugee crisis, the First and Second Congo Wars, and ongoing fighting involving M23 and other armed groups.