By Frank Kamuntu
The bodies of 18 soldiers, including 14 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), killed in clashes with M23 rebels near Goma in late January, are being repatriated from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Uganda. The fallen troops, comprising South African, Malawian, and Tanzanian nationals, were serving under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and United Nations peacekeeping forces.
The repatriation process, delayed due to damage at Goma Airport, has seen the remains transported by road through Rwanda into Uganda, before departing from Entebbe International Airport to their respective home countries. A UN peacekeeping spokesperson explained, “Due to damage at Goma Airport, the transportation via road of the mortal remains had to be delayed.”
This tragic incident underscores the escalating violence in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have intensified their offensive, posing a significant threat to regional stability and the safety of peacekeeping forces. The deaths of these soldiers highlight the growing risks faced by SAMIDRC and UN troops as they work to stabilize the region amidst relentless conflict.
A Journey Home Amidst Conflict
The fallen soldiers are being returned to their home countries with the dignity and honor they deserve. South African authorities have confirmed that a formal repatriation ceremony will be held in Pretoria, where the SANDF troops will be honored for their service and sacrifice. Similarly, Malawian and Tanzanian authorities are preparing to receive their nationals with military honors.
The repatriation process has been a somber reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The soldiers’ sacrifice has not gone unnoticed, with regional leaders and citizens alike paying tribute to their bravery and commitment to peace.
Calls for Ceasefire and Diplomatic Solutions
The deaths of these soldiers come at a critical juncture in the DRC crisis, as M23 rebels expand their operations into South Kivu and approach Bukavu. The escalating violence has prompted urgent calls for a ceasefire from regional leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, urging all parties to commit to the Luanda Process and other peace mechanisms. “We call on all parties to embrace the current diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution, including honoring the Luanda Process,” he stated.
The issue is set to dominate discussions at the upcoming SADC-EAC summit in Tanzania, where heads of state from the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, and other key regional players will convene. The summit aims to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a full-scale regional war and to explore sustainable solutions to the crisis.
A Region on the Brink
The repatriation of the fallen soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in eastern DRC. The M23 insurgency, which has displaced thousands and claimed countless lives, continues to destabilize the region, threatening to draw neighboring countries into a broader conflict.
As regional leaders gather to address the crisis, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring an end to the violence. The sacrifices of the 18 soldiers must not be in vain; their deaths should serve as a catalyst for renewed efforts to achieve lasting peace in the DRC.
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