A group of critically injured South African peacekeepers, who sustained injuries during fighting in eastern Congo a month ago, have been evacuated by the United Nations and returned to South Africa for treatment, according to a statement from the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) on Tuesday.
While the exact number of soldiers repatriated was not disclosed, SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini confirmed that the soldiers had received medical care at a hospital in Goma, a city in eastern Congo currently controlled by the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda. The soldiers are now safely back in South Africa.
Goma, a city of 2 million people, was seized by the M23 rebels in January as part of a broader offensive in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region. The M23 rebels have been pushing forward with territorial gains, causing significant casualties, with approximately 7,000 lives lost since the onset of the fighting. These developments have sparked concern from the international community.
According to the UN, the M23 rebels, bolstered by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, currently control Goma and Bukavu, the two largest cities in eastern Congo. Their rapid offensive has led to increased violence and instability in the region.
In addition to the critically injured peacekeepers, more South African soldiers are expected to be evacuated later this week, with reports indicating that over 100 South African soldiers, many of whom are ill or injured, are being brought home. The evacuation has been facilitated through neighboring Rwanda. Among those evacuated are reportedly two pregnant soldiers, though the SANDF did not comment on this.
Earlier in January, 14 South African peacekeepers were killed in clashes between Congolese government forces and the M23 rebels. The South African government confirmed that these soldiers had been caught in the crossfire as the rebels advanced toward Goma. Following their deaths, their bodies were repatriated to South Africa.
The South African peacekeeping mission in Congo has faced scrutiny both domestically and internationally, with critics questioning the preparedness and equipment of the soldiers. Additionally, the SANDF’s discipline has been called into question, especially after a group of soldiers was recalled in 2023 due to accusations of serious misconduct. South Africa’s involvement in the peacekeeping mission, alongside soldiers from Malawi and Tanzania, was originally intended to replace the UN peacekeeping force (MONUSCO) in the region, though the planned withdrawal of the MONUSCO force has been delayed.
The situation in Congo remains dire, with the ongoing fighting between the rebels and government forces continuing to threaten peace and stability. As international calls for peace and intervention grow, the future of peacekeeping efforts in the region remains uncertain.
