Four more soldiers have died in war-torn Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo following an exchange of mortar bombs between the Congolese Defence Force and the M23 rebels yesterday. In a statement, the South African National Defence Force confirmed that three soldiers were caught in the crossfire and were killed at the SANDF Base near Goma Airport. This brings the number of soldiers killed in DRC since last week to 13.

KILLED IN BATTLE

According to SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini, the M23 rebels launched several mortar bombs in the direction of Goma Airport, which landed in the SANDF base and resulted in the deaths of three soldiers. Dlamini said the fourth soldier who passed away yesterday was injured during the battle with M23 rebels last week and succumbed to his injuries. "The rest of the injured members continue to receive medical attention at the Level 3 Hospital in Goma," he said, adding that the SANDF remains fully committed to its peacekeeping responsibilities. "Our troops continue to operate with resolve, courage and discipline in pursuit of peace and stability in the region." On Friday, SANDF announced that nine soldiers were killed in combat against M23 rebels with dozens injured from a two-day clash with the same rebels in an attempt to take over Goma.

CALLS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF SOLDIERS IN DRC

There have been calls for the SANDF to withdraw the soldiers from the DRC. The Economic Freedom Fighters spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys said the party is calling for the immediate withdrawal of the deployment of the soldiers in DRC with immediate effect. "We further call for an emergency joint sitting of Parliament to hold President Ramaphosa accountable and to urgently present the withdrawal plan for our soldiers to return home safely. The soldiers do not have ammunition or necessary equipment and supplies. Without supplies, these brave soldiers are sent to die! Bring them home."

The DA has also called for an urgent debate to examine whether the South African government has taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the soldiers. "Specifically, we need to address whether the soldiers sent to the DRC were properly equipped and whether there are systemic failures in our defence strategy that must be rectified. We cannot allow political or diplomatic considerations to put our soldiers' lives at risk. It is imperative that Parliament urgently debates these critical issues to ensure that, moving forward, our soldiers are never sent in harm's way without the support, equipment and resources they need to complete their mission safely," DA MP Chris Hattingh said in a statement.

Late last night, in a short statement, the Presidency said President Cyril Ramaphosa had a telephone call with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to discuss the recent developments in the Eastern DRC and the escalation in fighting that has resulted in the deaths of SAMIDRC peacekeepers. "The two heads of state have agreed on the urgent need for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks by all parties to the conflict," the Presidency said.