KEY POINTS
- South Africa deploys 700 to 800 additional troops to Congo amid ongoing conflict.
- Goma’s capture by M23 rebels has cut off South African troops from supplies.
- Analysts warn of a broader regional war if tensions continue escalating.
South Africa has sent additional troops and military equipment to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after 14 of its soldiers were killed in clashes with Rwanda-backed rebels last month, according to political and diplomatic sources.
The reinforcement, which includes 700 to 800 troops, aims to support existing South African forces in the region, where fighting has intensified.
Flight data reviewed by Reuters confirmed that transport aircraft from South Africa landed in Lubumbashi, a key city in southern Congo.
South African lawmaker Chris Hattingh affirmatively verified that troops relocated, after informing that official briefings had not occurred.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) refrained from discussing their military deployment, while Congolese military authorities did not validate or dismiss any reports.
The increasing conflicts in eastern Congo have raised significant worry about a potential expansion into a larger regional conflict. The region has suffered through several decades of violent conflict, border conflicts and significant human crisis.
Growing tensions and regional implications
M23 rebels took control of Goma last month which worsened the existing severe humanitarian situation of the region.
According to the United Nations, the conflict has led to more than 2,000 fatalities together with hundreds of thousands displaced in recent weeks.
South Africa has about 3,000 troops stationed in Congo, primarily under the U.N. peacekeeping mission and a regional security initiative supporting the Congolese army against M23 insurgents.
However, some South African leaders have criticized the mission, questioning its effectiveness and purpose.
Kobus Marais, a South African defense analyst, described the deployment as “poorly resourced and equipped”, adding that South African soldiers in Goma are cut off from reinforcements and supplies due to rebel control over the city’s airport.
South Africa’s role in Congo’s crisis
Recent flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed multiple South African military aircraft flying between Pretoria and Lubumbashi, carrying medical supplies, ammunition, and reinforcements.
Analysts believe this signals the creation of a contingency force to respond to further clashes.
Critics in South Africa question the country’s involvement in Congo due to doubts about overcoming that conflict.
Opposition leaders advise government officials to reassess their strategy, as Rwanda tensions and rebel-group opposition persistently intensify.
Meanwhile, neighboring countries such as Uganda and Burundi have also increased their troop presence in eastern Congo.
African leaders increase pressure on Rwanda to participate in diplomatic talks, despite its claim of any involvement with M23 rebels, to stop the bout from becoming an all-out war.
The world constitutes an alert oversight of events, as these developments endanger the stability of the region.
