South Africa Congo death toll rises to 13

Four more South African soldiers were killed in fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, raising the death toll to 13.

Three members of the South African National Defence Force perished in crossfire on Monday, when Rwanda-backed M23 rebels launched mortar bombs in the direction of Goma airport, where the SANDF’s base is located, it said in an emailed statement Tuesday.

Another soldier succumbed to injuries sustained in a battle with M23 militia, it said. Other injured members are receiving medial attention at the Level 3 Hospital in Goma, the SANDF added.

The South African army lost nine members in fighting on 24 January.

M23 fighters stormed Goma on Monday in an attempt to capture the trading and humanitarian hub that’s home to 2 million people. The assault on the city drew condemnation from the US and the United Nations as Rwandan President Paul Kagame faced growing pressure to stop backing the rebel group.

© 2025 Bloomberg

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