Highlights: Eastern DRC: two South African soldiers killed on mission. South Africa announced on February 15, 2024 the death of two of its soldiers during clashes the day before around Sake, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to a statement from the South African government, three soldiers were also injured by mortar fire which hit their base. The South African troops are part of the mission of the southern African sub-regional organization SADC, deployed in mid-December to support the Congolese army.

Eastern DRC: two South African soldiers killed on mission

South Africa announced on February 15, 2024 the death of two of its soldiers during clashes the day before around Sake, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to a statement from the South African government, three soldiers were also injured by mortar fire which hit their base. The South African troops are part of the mission of the southern African sub-regional organization SADC, deployed in mid-December to support the Congolese army in its efforts to restore peace and security in the east of the country.

[Illustrative image] People gathering next to South African National Defense Force (SANDF) vehicles as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission as they flee the territory of Masisi following clashes between M23 rebels and government forces, on a road near Sake on February 7, 2024. AFP - AUBIN MUKONI

By: RFI Follow

South Africa announces the death of two of its soldiers during clashes in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (

DRC

), around the town of Sake, in the province of North Kivu. Clashes between the Congolese army and its allies - including South African troops - on one side and the M23 rebels supported by the Rwandan army on the other.

According to a statement from the South African government, two soldiers died and three were injured on February 14, when mortar fire hit the base of the South African contingent at midday.

“

A mortar bomb landed in one of the bases of the South African military contingent and caused casualties and injuries to SANDF soldiers. Following this indirect fire, the SANDF deplored two deaths and the serious injuries of three elements.

", the South African army said in a statement. The injured soldiers were evacuated to Goma hospital, the text specifies.

The South African troops are part of the SADC mission, deployed in mid-December to support the Congolese army in its efforts to restore peace and security in the east of the country.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded on Thursday by defending the mission and recalling that South Africa, as a member of the SADC, had a duty to provide troops. “

We bow to those who are injured and those who may have fallen

,” he declared to his country’s parliamentarians, praising the military personnel who braved “great

dangers to do Africa a more peaceful and stable continent

(With AFP)

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Eastern DRC: two South African soldiers killed on mission

Eastern DRC: two South African soldiers killed on mission

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