In a significant military buildup, South Africa has dispatched hundreds of additional troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo, following the deaths of fourteen South African soldiers in clashes with Rwanda-backed rebels, Reuters reported.
Military transport aircraft have been spotted landing in Lubumbashi, carrying an estimated 700-800 reinforcement troops along with medical supplies and ammunition. The deployment comes at a critical moment as the M23 rebels maintain control of Goma, a strategic eastern city near the Rwandan border.
South Africa’s current presence in Congo, approximately 3,000 troops, serves both UN peacekeeping missions and a Southern African regional force. However, the intervention has faced mounting criticism at home, particularly after the fall of Goma left South African forces surrounded and poorly equipped, according to Reuters.
The situation has sparked concerns about a potential broader regional conflict, reminiscent of the devastating wars of the 1990s and 2000s that drew in multiple neighboring countries. The reinforcement appears designed to strengthen South Africa’s position as regional negotiations begin, while also providing support for troops cut off from supplies in Goma.
Critics, including opposition figures, question South Africa’s involvement, arguing that troops lack proper resources and equipment for the mission. Meanwhile, Uganda and Burundi have also reinforced their positions in eastern Congo, while Rwanda continues to deny accusations of supporting M23 rebels.