The SANDF has reported further troop losses in the DRC in a battle that a midterm report by a group of UN experts says is fuelled by $140m (R2.57bn) from illegal gold operations in the francophone country.
SA has boots on the ground to support the DRC forces in waging battle against M23 rebels in a high-stakes war for control of the mineral-rich eastern region.
The SANDF on Saturday said nine of its members died in battle on Friday as M23 rebels tried to take over the city of Goma.
“The M23 hostile forces had launched a full-scale attack on our troops with the intention of taking over Goma, but were unable to advance due to the heroic resistance put up by our gallant fighters,” the SANDF said, adding that seven of the dead were part of the contingent deployed to the DRC in December 2023.
The deaths coincided with minister of defence & military veterans Angie Motshekga’s visit to the DRC as part of her “ongoing mission to prioritise the wellbeing and interests of SA soldiers”.
Pikkie Greeff, national secretary of the SA National Defence Union (Sandu), called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take the country into his confidence about the DRC situation, saying information was largely delayed when there were fatalities.
“Soldiers deserve more than silence. Their sacrifices and injuries demand immediate acknowledgment and action from our leaders. It is unacceptable for such critical information to be delayed or withheld. We need answers, and we need them now,” Greeff said.
“We once again call on Commander-in-Chief President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation and provide clarity on the ongoing situation in the DRC.
“Our soldiers and their families deserve respect, honesty and support during these challenging times. The government must prioritise open communication and decisive action to honour the sacrifices of those who risk their lives for our country.
“This incident raises critical questions: Has the president been made fully aware of these casualties? The lack of communication has become all too common, with SANDF leadership keeping the public and even at times ministers in the dark for far too long.
“Such delays not only show a lack of respect for those who serve but also undermine trust in the military and the government’s ability to manage this crisis effectively.”
The expert report into the DRC conflict, addressed to the president of the UN Security Council, said persistent violence in eastern DRC affected the security and humanitarian situation, and the conflict continued to have a negative impact on regional relations.
“In Ituri, the Zaire armed group allied with AFC/M23 concentrated its efforts on establishing a new front against FARDC (the DRC’s armed forces).
“Sanctioned individuals Thomas Lubanga Dyilo and Yves Khawa Pango Mandro played critical roles in mobilising Zaire and strengthening collaboration with AFC/M23,” reads the report.
“Zaire intensified recruitment, training thousands of combatants in preparation for a large-scale offensive in Ituri. Gold in Ituri continued to be exploited outside state control, generating at least $140m a year to armed groups and criminal networks.”
Stephanie Wolters, a senior research fellow at the SA Institute of International Affairs, said the deployment of SA soldiers in the DRC was not well thought out.
“There has been a lot of criticism in SA about the deployment from political parties and defence analysts. People have said the SANDF is already struggling and this deployment puts SA soldiers in harm’s way because they are not properly trained or equipped,” Wolters said.
“The soldiers are facing a very difficult situation fighting against the M23, who are Rwanda-backed with very sophisticated weaponry. The M23 have been winning a lot of territory.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.