South Africa mourns 14 SANDF soldiers killed in a peacekeeping mission in DRC. They died during an attack at their base in Goma amid conflict with M23 rebels. President Cyril Ramaphosa honored them in a memorial service, emphasizing their sacrifice. Full military funerals will be held for the soldiers.
South Africa is grieving the significant loss of 14 soldiers from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who were killed while on a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The soldiers were deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) when their base in Goma came under heavy enemy fire amidst ongoing conflicts involving the DRC’s armed forces (FARDC) and M23 rebels.
After a delay of one week caused by security issues in the area, the remains of the fallen soldiers were finally returned to South Africa for their burial. On February 13, 2025, a memorial service and handover ceremony took place at Swartkop Air Force Base in Tshwane, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Defense Minister Angie Motshekga, and senior SANDF officials.
During the service, President Ramaphosa addressed the bereaved families, honoring the deceased for their courageous service. He expressed condolences by stating, “You are home now. You have come to your resting place. We are here to receive you with open arms and lay you to rest.” These soldiers will receive full military funerals, although specific details regarding the ceremonies are still pending.
This tragic incident underlines the ongoing challenges faced in the DRC, where armed conflict and humanitarian crises continue to necessitate international peacekeeping efforts. The soldiers’ service is remembered as a vital endeavor in stabilizing Africa’s second-largest nation, amidst its complex security landscape.
The loss of 14 SANDF soldiers in the DRC underscores the dangers faced by peacekeepers in conflict zones. Their return and subsequent memorial service reflect a national mourning and recognition of their sacrifice. The situation emphasizes the ongoing need for peacekeeping missions in areas plagued by violence and instability.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
