Critically injured South African soldiers have been evacuated from Congo amidst escalating violence from M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan troops. The ongoing conflict has raised significant casualties and questions regarding the readiness of peacekeeping forces. South African authorities report additional evacuations and scrutinize the operational effectiveness of their military abroad.
South African soldiers critically injured during recent conflicts in eastern Congo have been evacuated by the United Nations, according to the South African National Defense Force (SANDF). The spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini, confirmed that these soldiers have returned to South Africa but refrained from disclosing the exact number of evacuees. Prior to their evacuation, the soldiers were receiving medical care in Goma.
In January, the town of Goma was captured by the M23 rebels during an ongoing offensive backed by Rwanda. This capture of the populous city has raised international concerns due to the instability in the mineral-rich eastern Congo. Meanwhile, the U.N. is advocating for the re-opening of Goma’s airport to facilitate humanitarian efforts.
M23 rebels are estimated to be supported by about 4,000 Rwandan troops and currently control key cities, including Goma and Bukavu. Their aggressive actions have reportedly resulted in approximately 7,000 fatalities, according to Congolese sources. The SANDF indicated that more injured South African troops are expected to return home soon.
Union representatives for the South African armed forces reported that over 100 soldiers were being evacuated, with three facing severe medical emergencies. Notably, two pregnant female soldiers were among those repatriated, though the SANDF spokesperson did not confirm this detail. The evacuation occurred via Rwanda.
In January, the conflict claimed the lives of 14 South African peacekeepers, who reportedly died amidst fighting between Congolese forces and M23 rebels. The South African Defense Minister stated that the troops had been caught in crossfire, while President Cyril Ramaphosa described the circumstances as rebel attacks on peacekeeping operations. The bodies of the deceased soldiers have since been returned to South Africa.
An M23 spokesperson recently claimed that around 300 foreign soldiers, including wounded South African personnel, exited eastern Congo. South Africa’s involvement in peacekeeping has faced scrutiny domestically, with many questioning whether the troops were adequately equipped for the mission and highlighting previous disciplinary issues.
The southern African peacekeeping contingent, which also includes troops from Malawi and Tanzania, was intended as a replacement for the U.N. peacekeeping mission MONUSCO. However, discussions regarding the withdrawal of MONUSCO have been postponed. Additionally, Malawi has reported casualties among its soldiers and is considering the withdrawal of its forces amid rising tensions.
The evacuation of critically injured South African soldiers from Congo signifies the escalating violence and instability in the region. The involvement of M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, has resulted in significant fatalities and raised questions about the preparedness of peacekeeping forces. Ongoing scrutiny from political bodies and unions in South Africa reflects a growing concern over the effectiveness and safety of these military missions. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely.
Original Source: apnews.com
