South Africa Reiterates Support for Eastern DRC Amid Losses
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite the tragic loss of South African National Defense Force (SANDF) soldiers in recent conflicts.
Since their deployment to fight the M23 rebels in eastern DRC, at least six SANDF soldiers have lost their lives, with dozens more injured.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday, 25 June, in Sake, where a mortar attack targeted a South African base, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and serious injuries to 20 others.
Despite these severe losses, President Ramaphosa emphasized that SANDF will continue its mission in the DRC, supporting the Congolese government in its efforts to quell the violence perpetrated by the M23 rebels.
“As we mourn the deaths and losses inflicted on our soldiers, we appreciate and are humbled by the sacrifices they made for the cause of peace and stability in our region, and they will not be forgotten,” President Ramaphosa stated through his spokesperson.
The M23 rebel fighters have launched several retaliatory attacks against the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and their allies, who had previously ambushed the rebels’ camps in various territories in the east.
The volatile situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by peacekeeping forces in the region.
Source: DRC News Today
