WATCH: Nine soldiers confirmed dead in DRC due to M23 attacks.

Goma, DRC – On January 27, 2025, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) issued a statement confirming the deaths of nine soldiers during intense fighting with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The clashes occurred over two days, January 23-24, as the SANDF, alongside regional counterparts, successfully halted an M23 offensive aimed at capturing Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu.

According to the South African Department of Defence, seven of the fallen soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), deployed since December 2023, while two served under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). The SANDF reported that their forces mounted a determined resistance, preventing the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels from advancing and pushing them back from Sake, approximately 30 km from Goma. At least 18 South African soldiers were injured, with the exact number of wounded still unconfirmed.

The M23 rebels, part of the Congo River Alliance and widely reported to be supported by Rwanda, launched a full-scale assault to seize Goma, a city of two million and a key economic hub. The SANDF’s statement highlighted the bravery of its troops, noting that they inflicted significant losses on the rebels, though specific figures were not provided. The fighting escalated a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians fleeing as M23 claimed to have closed Goma’s airspace and prepared to “liberate” the city.

South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Mathu Joyini, addressed the UN Security Council on January 26, condemning Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. She emphasized that external forces destabilizing the DRC must be held accountable. Meanwhile, opposition parties in South Africa criticized the SANDF’s deployment, citing inadequate equipment and air support, which left troops vulnerable. Darren Olivier, Director of the African Defence Review, told Newzroom Afrika that the lack of force multipliers like artillery and attack helicopters hampered operations.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) condemned the M23’s actions as a violation of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, urging all parties to resume dialogue. The conflict has raised fears of a broader regional war, with the DRC cutting diplomatic ties with Rwanda and reports of 500-1,000 Rwandan troops assisting M23 in the Goma area.

As the situation remains volatile, the SANDF continues its peacekeeping efforts under SAMIDRC and MONUSCO, with President Cyril Ramaphosa engaging in diplomatic talks with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to seek a ceasefire. The loss of life has sparked debate in South Africa, with calls for a reassessment of the mission’s objectives and resources.