South African troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to suppress a rebellion have encountered their first casualties. During the attack, two soldiers were killed and three others sustained injuries after a mortar bomb struck their base on Wednesday. The South African army claimed that the attack was a result of “indirect fire,” indicating that the base was not directly targeted. These troops are part of a regional force assisting DR Congo’s military in dealing with various armed groups, including the M23, which has occupied strategic positions near Goma, the major city in the eastern part of DR Congo.
The M23’s advance has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, adding to the already seven million displaced due to multiple conflicts in the region. However, the South African army has not yet established a direct link between the attack and the M23. According to their statement, the details surrounding the incident remain unclear.
South Africa initiated the deployment of troops to eastern DR Congo in December as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) 16-member regional bloc. The country plans to contribute a total of 2,900 troops to the force, while Malawi and Tanzania will also send soldiers to assist. This deployment comes after an East African force withdrew from the country at the request of the DR Congo government.
President Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo hopes that the new Southern African force will achieve greater success, as it possesses a more robust mandate. The situation in DR Congo remains tense as rebels continue to pose a threat to the stability and security of the region. This recent attack on South African troops highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the international forces operating in DR Congo.
