Critically injured South African soldiers have been evacuated from eastern Congo amid a violent offensive by M23 rebels. These soldiers had been receiving treatment in Goma, which has seen thousands of casualties due to the conflict. The ongoing violence raises serious concerns about the effectiveness and readiness of peacekeeping forces in the region.
A group of critically injured South African peacekeepers has been evacuated from eastern Congo following their involvement in fighting against M23 rebels. The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) announced that the soldiers returned to South Africa, but the exact number of evacuees was not disclosed. These soldiers had been under treatment in Goma, a city that has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict.
The city of Goma, with a population of approximately 2 million, has been under M23 rebel control since January, raising concerns within the international community regarding the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The M23 rebels, allegedly supported by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, have significantly advanced in eastern Congo, leading to approximately 7,000 reported casualties.
The SANDF indicated that additional soldiers are expected to return soon, as over 100 South African military personnel have been identified for evacuation due to injuries, some requiring critical medical care. Notably, two of these soldiers are pregnant women, according to reports from the armed forces’ union, although the Defense Force spokesperson did not confirm this information.
Amidst the chaos, fourteen South African peacekeepers were tragically killed in January as they became embroiled in the crossfire during clashes. The South African Defense Minister acknowledged that these soldiers were caught in the conflict while the M23 rebels advanced towards Goma. President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the nature of their deaths as being killed in rebel attacks on peacekeepers.
The M23 militia has claimed that approximately 300 soldiers of various nationalities, including the injured South African troops, have departed from eastern Congo. In South Africa, concerns have been raised regarding the preparedness and equipment levels of the peacekeepers, with both political figures and the armed forces’ union expressing scrutiny over their deployment.
The presence of South African soldiers in the southern African peacekeeping force in Congo also includes Malawian and Tanzanian troops, with the withdrawal of the U.N. peacekeeping operations, known as MONUSCO, being temporarily paused. The fighting has also claimed the lives of at least three Malawian soldiers, prompting their president to consider troop withdrawal.
The evacuation of critically injured South African soldiers from Congo underscores the ongoing peril faced by peacekeepers amid escalating violence from M23 rebels. The international community is increasingly concerned about the humanitarian crises resulting from the conflict, while questions surrounding the readiness and discipline of South African troops highlight the complexities of maintaining peace in the region. As the situation develops, the future of peacekeeping efforts in eastern Congo remains uncertain.
Original Source: apnews.com
