The tragic deaths of nine South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have sparked nationwide debate over the military’s presence in the region. The soldiers lost their lives during intense battles with M23 rebels, who attempted to capture Goma, the capital of Eastern DRC.
#### **Details of the Incident**
According to an official SANDF statement released on January 25, 2025, the soldiers were killed over two days of heavy fighting. The rebels launched a large-scale attack in an effort to gain control of Goma. The SANDF troops, deployed as part of a peacekeeping mission, were able to push back the rebels, halting their progress. However, the cost was high: several soldiers were injured, though the extent of their injuries has yet to be confirmed.
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini praised the bravery of the troops, stating, “The M23’s intention to take Goma met with heavy resistance from our contingent.” Despite their efforts, this loss marks one of the deadliest encounters for SANDF personnel in the DRC.
#### **A Troubled History**
This is not the first time SANDF soldiers have been killed during peacekeeping missions in the DRC. In February 2024, two soldiers died, and three others were injured in a separate attack. Similarly, in June 2024, a mortar attack claimed the lives of two soldiers and injured 20 others. These repeated incidents have intensified scrutiny of South Africa’s involvement in the region.
#### **Public Outcry: “Bring Our Soldiers Home”**
News of the deaths quickly spread on social media, with many South Africans questioning the government’s decision to deploy troops to the DRC. Some citizens argued that the conflict in Eastern DRC has little to do with South Africa’s national interests, while others pointed out that resources could be better utilized addressing domestic challenges, such as security threats in neighboring Mozambique.https://twitter.com/ThabzAfrika/status/1883265482448609654?s=19
A social media user, @mzuzups, expressed frustration, saying, “Rubbish. It’s not worth it. Bring our soldiers home.” Another user, @ThaboFresh, questioned the government’s priorities: “What’s your interest in the DRC? Rebels in Mozambique could easily cross into SA, yet there’s no intervention there. Why DRC?”
Others criticized the leadership for putting soldiers in harm’s way without a clear purpose. @visse_ss remarked, “The loss of nine SANDF members in the DRC reflects poorly on leadership’s decisions. Bring back our soldiers before more families are left grieving.”
#### **South Africa’s Role in the DRC**
South Africa’s involvement in the DRC stems from its commitment to regional stability under the Southern African Development Community (SADC). SANDF troops are part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, aimed at restoring peace in the war-torn region. However, critics argue that these missions stretch South Africa’s resources and expose soldiers to unnecessary risks.
#### **Conclusion**
The deaths of the nine SANDF soldiers have reignited debate about South Africa’s role in regional conflicts. While the government defends its commitment to peacekeeping, many citizens are calling for a reassessment of the country’s priorities. The incident highlights the dangers faced by peacekeepers and raises important questions about the cost of regional solidarity.