In a tragic turn of events, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the deaths of nine of its soldiers in clashes between the M23 rebel group and the coalition forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The fighting took place in the city of Sake, located in Masisi Territory, and in areas near Goma in Nyiragongo Territory, from January 23, 2025.
In a press release issued on January 25, 2025, SANDF reported that seven of the soldiers who perished were part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces deployed to the DRC to support Kinshasa’s government in its fight against M23. The remaining two were serving under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
The South African military also disclosed that several other soldiers sustained injuries, ranging from minor to severe.
“They were actively engaged in efforts to prevent the M23 rebel group from advancing into the city of Goma, which was a key target for the rebels,” the statement read. SANDF further claimed that they, alongside the coalition forces of the DRC, successfully thwarted M23’s plans to capture Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
Following the intense clashes in Sake, SANDF expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and noted that efforts were underway to inform next of kin. The military leadership also extended sympathies to the grieving families, acknowledging the sacrifices of their loved ones.
The violence continued to escalate, with reports on January 24 indicating that three MONUSCO soldiers were wounded during the ongoing battles in Sake. Meanwhile, on January 25, heavy fighting was reported in Sake and Mweso in Masisi Territory as M23 rebels clashed with DRC forces.
Adding to the tension, M23 issued an ultimatum to the DRC forces in Goma, demanding they lay down their weapons within 48 hours. The ultimatum, issued by M23’s political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, was made public on January 25, 2025.
The situation in the region remains volatile, with concerns growing over the potential humanitarian impact of the prolonged conflict. Goma, a strategic city in eastern Congo, has often been at the center of unrest due to its location and economic significance.
The South African government has pledged to support the peacekeeping mission while urging all parties involved to pursue dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
