More than 100 South African peacekeepers injured in clashes with M23 rebels in eastern Congo have been evacuated, the United Nations confirmed Tuesday. The soldiers, including three in critical condition, were airlifted via Rwanda, according to South African National Defense Force (SANDF) spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini.
The evacuation follows weeks of intense fighting in Congo’s mineral-rich east, where M23 rebels, backed by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, have seized key territories, including the city of Goma. South African forces have been deployed as part of a regional peacekeeping mission, but questions over their preparedness and resources are growing at home.
“Many of these soldiers were injured due to a lack of proper support and intelligence on the ground,” said Pikkie Greef, national secretary of the South African National Defense Union. He also revealed that two pregnant female soldiers were among those repatriated.
Mounting Casualties and Political Scrutiny
At least 14 South African peacekeepers were killed in January as rebels advanced on Goma, marking one of the deadliest attacks on the mission. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described their deaths as a “tragic loss,” vowing to assess the country’s continued role in the conflict.
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The broader peacekeeping force, which also includes troops from Malawi and Tanzania, was initially meant to replace the United Nations’ MONUSCO mission. However, with thousands dead and the conflict showing no signs of slowing, the UN’s withdrawal has been delayed.
Political pressure is mounting in South Africa, where opposition parties and military unions are questioning whether the deployment should continue. “We have soldiers on the ground who are not adequately equipped,” Greef said. “This cannot continue.”
A Fragile Peacekeeping Mission
M23’s offensive has displaced tens of thousands, further destabilizing an already volatile region. Congo’s government estimates that at least 7,000 people have died in the latest wave of violence. Meanwhile, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has signaled his country may pull its forces after three Malawian soldiers were killed in January.
The coming weeks will be critical as South Africa reassesses its commitment to the mission. With rising casualties and logistical challenges, the peacekeeping effort is at a crossroads.
