Ramaphosa mourns deaths of SANDF soldiers in DRC

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the deaths of two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, following a mortar attack at their base in Sake in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In addition, 20 other soldiers sustained injuries.

The latest double tragedy brings the South African death total to five.

One South African soldier was killed in the region in May and another two in February.

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA OFFERED HIS CONDOLENCES

In his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force, President Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the families of the soldiers as well as their commanders and colleagues.

“As we mourn the deaths and casualties inflicted on our soldiers, we value and are humbled by the sacrifices they have made for the cause of peace and stability in our region, and they shall not be forgotten,” Ramaphosa said in a statement on Thursday.

The president also assured the bereaved families and the injured troops that the SANDF will take the utmost care to provide the necessary logistical and psychosocial support to all those affected.

South African forces are part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) which was deployed on 15 December 2023 to support the government of the DRC to restore peace and security in the eastern DRC.

This was in response to an increase in conflicts and instability caused by the resurgence of armed groups.

Around 2 900 South African soldiers have been deployed.