South African Soldiers Killed in DRC Bombing Honored with Repatriation Ceremony

The repatriation of fallen South African soldiers from the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marks a somber moment for the nation as it mourns the loss of two of its brave servicemen. The soldiers were part of the South African Contingent deployed under the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIRC), aimed at supporting the Congolese government in its quest for peace and stability.

The tragic incident occurred on February 14, 2024, at approximately 1330 hours local time when a mortar bomb struck inside a military base housing South African forces in Goma, resulting in casualties and injuries. Two soldiers lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries in the attack, highlighting the dangers faced by those serving in conflict zones.

This marks the first instance of South African casualties since their deployment to the DRC on December 15, 2023. The soldiers were part of a broader SADC effort to combat rebel groups like the M23, who have been actively challenging the authority of the Congolese government, particularly in the North Kivu region.

President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier pledged substantial military support, with 2,900 soldiers committed to the mission, underscoring South Africa’s commitment to regional stability. Working alongside Tanzanian armed forces within the framework of the SADC joint force, South African troops have been engaged in bolstering Congolese defenses to thwart rebel advances.

The M23 rebels, notorious for their previous capture of Goma in 2012, pose a significant threat to peace and security in the region. They accuse the DRC government of failing to honor agreements and allege support for other armed groups, exacerbating tensions and contributing to the cycle of violence.

In response to the recent attack, SADC expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, along with other senior officials, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the nation’s solidarity with its military personnel serving abroad.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with peacekeeping operations and underscores the ongoing challenges in stabilizing conflict-ridden regions like the DRC. As efforts continue to address the root causes of instability and conflict, the sacrifice of these soldiers serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of pursuing peace in the world’s most troubled regions