Siphiwe Dlamini
In a tragic development from the eastern regions of the Congo, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) disclosed that an unfortunate event led to the loss of two South African soldiers, with three more sustaining injuries. This incident occurred when a mortar unexpectedly detonated within their base, amidst a period marked by escalating unrest in the area.
The SANDF, which is the overarching body managing the nation’s military operations, attributed the cause of the explosion to “indirect fire.” In light of this event, an investigation has been initiated to pinpoint the accountable parties.
This incident comes at a time when South Africa is actively contributing to the peacekeeping efforts in Congo, under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The mission’s goal is to combat the surge of armed rebellion in the eastern parts of Congo. In a recent announcement, it was revealed that South Africa plans to augment its presence in the region with an additional deployment of 2,900 soldiers. However, it remains uncertain if the casualties were part of this new contingent.
The impact site, located in North Kivu province, was confirmed by SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini. Following the incident, the wounded soldiers were promptly transported to a medical facility in Goma for treatment.
The recent weeks have seen a spike in violence within this conflict-ridden area, with fingers often pointed at the M23 rebel faction, known for its prolonged engagement with Congolese forces. The Congo government has accused Rwanda of providing military aid to M23, an allegation that Rwanda has consistently denied.
Notwithstanding, M23 has recently hinted at an aggressive push in eastern Congo, inciting apprehensions of a possible attempt to capture Goma once more—a feat they achieved a decade ago.
The ongoing conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, displacing over 1 million individuals since November, according to aid organizations. This number adds to the already staggering figure of 6.9 million people forced from their homes due to the unrest, underscoring the magnitude of the crisis at hand.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has expressed grave concerns over the recent movements of armed factions towards Sake, a crucial town in proximity to Goma. The NRC warned that such advancements pose a direct threat to the stability of the entire aid framework in eastern Congo. Highlighting the potential for catastrophic outcomes, the NRC emphasized the critical situation in Goma, which is home to more than 2 million residents and serves as a refuge for hundreds of thousands displaced by the ongoing conflicts. The isolation of Goma, according to the NRC, could have dire repercussions for the region’s humanitarian landscape.
This escalating conflict and the consequent human toll it extracts underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the crisis, as the international community watches and responds to these developments.
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