Three South African soldiers were confirmed dead, with 18 injured in clashes involving M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to South Africa’s Democratic Alliance and a military union on Saturday.
The deaths happened on Thursday when M23 forces invaded the town of Sake in eastern DRC. The troops involved were part of a regional peacekeeping mission deployed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The Democratic Alliance expressed sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers in a statement. “At least 18 SANDF members were also wounded in ongoing battles with M23 rebels,” the party said.
While a South African military spokesperson and SADC officials declined immediate comment, the DA confirmed the casualties through the SADC mission and other sources in DRC.
DA parliamentarian Chris Hattingh condemned the lack of communication from SANDF regarding the incident. “The silence from SANDF on the situation in DRC is concerning. South Africans should not have to rely on foreign sources for updates on casualties,” he said.
The South African National Defence Union also expressed disdain over the delay in taking action on the matter. “The soldiers deserve more than silence. It is in the best interest of their sacrifices that leaders must acknowledge them now and take immediate action,” said secretary of the union Pikkie Greef.
SANDF has not stated anything regarding the attack. This has exposed the plight of peacekeepers in the troubled eastern DRC, where M23 rebels continue to challenge the relative stability.