2,000 SANDF troops still trapped in DRC and running out of food & water, no clear rescue plan as M23 rebels refuse to cooperate

Over 2,000 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops remain trapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with no clear plan for their rescue, following intense battles with M23 rebels that claimed the lives of 14 South African soldiers.

The troops, stationed at Goma airport and Mubambiro, are surrounded by hostile forces and are rapidly running out of essential supplies, raising urgent concerns about their safety and survival.

The death toll of SANDF soldiers rose to 14 over the weekend when another soldier succumbed to injuries sustained during clashes with M23 rebels between 23 and 27 January. These soldiers were among at least 773 people killed in and around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, as fighting intensified between DRC government forces, backed by regional troops, and the M23 rebels, who are strongly supported by Rwanda.

The SANDF troops, part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), are now stranded in their bases, with no clear exit strategy. Cargo aircraft were spotted flying from Waterkloof Air Force Base to Lubumbashi in the DRC and neighbouring Burundi over the weekend, sparking speculation that the SANDF might be planning to extract its troops via these routes. However, it remains unclear how the trapped soldiers would reach any collection point, as both bases are surrounded by M23 rebels and Rwandan forces.

The SANDF insists that its troops are not hostages and have not been disarmed. However, defence experts suggest that while the soldiers retain their weapons, they may not carry them under a truce reached with M23. “The SANDF troops are not hostages, but their situation is precarious. They are surrounded, and their supplies are running low,” a defence expert told Daily Maverick.

The trapped troops are reportedly running out of food and water, and have been unable to remove their dead or transport the wounded to hospitals. A report by the Rwanda Broadcast Agency revealed that SANDF commanders at Mubambiro had requested permission from M23 leaders to repatriate the bodies of fallen comrades, access previous battlefields to recover remains, and collect food and supplies from Goma. However, these requests were reportedly denied after being submitted in writing.

At a SADC summit in Harare on Friday, regional leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, called for the immediate dispatch of defence ministers and chiefs to the DRC to ensure the safety of SAMIDRC troops and facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and injured. However, there has been no official confirmation of when such a mission might take place.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame appears to hold significant influence over the situation, and South Africa may need to negotiate with him to secure the safe extraction of its troops. Defence analysts warn that Kagame may seek to humiliate the SANDF by forcing them to leave the DRC through Rwanda, laying down their arms in a public surrender that would portray them as prisoners of war.

The situation is growing increasingly dire for the trapped troops. “I’m not sure exactly how long the base can hold out, but it definitely needs to move the wounded and dead, and the water and food supply will be an issue. There’s a time limit,” said a defence expert.

The SANDF camp at Goma airport is reportedly in a slightly better position than the one at Mubambiro. The airport camp remains intact and secured behind barricades, with no casualties reported since 27 January. The troops have access to power, intermittent internet, and water from a nearby Uruguayan contingent of the UN peacekeeping mission, Monusco. However, they are surviving on one meal a day and breakfast cereal, with no septic service for nearly two weeks.

Meanwhile, the leader of M23, Corneille Nangaa, declared in a video message that the group has no intention of withdrawing from Goma. “Our objective is to capture Kinshasa and remove the dictatorship of President Felix Tshisekedi,” he said, adding that Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, is their next target.

The SANDF has released the names of the 14 soldiers who lost their lives in the DRC:

• Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola
• Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
• Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
• Corporal Matome Justice Malesa
• Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani
• Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
• Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo
• Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi
• Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe
• Rifleman Derrick Maluleke
• Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele
• Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi
• Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe
• Private Peter Jacobus Strydom

Rwanda has rejected accusations that its forces and M23 attacked DRC government troops, SAMIDRC, and civilians in North Kivu. In a statement, Rwanda claimed it was defending its borders and protecting civilians, not attacking them. “SADC has deployed an offensive force, SAMIDRC, to support the war of the government of DRC against its own people,” the statement read.

The United Nations has called for an end to the violence, warning of deteriorating conditions for civilians in and around Goma. Hospitals are overwhelmed, essential supplies are running low, and bodies remain in the streets, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. According to the UN, the fighting has claimed at least 700 lives and left 2,800 injured over the past five days, with thousands more displaced.

The World Food Programme has reported critical shortages of water and food, describing the next 24 hours as crucial. As the situation worsens, the plight of the trapped SANDF troops highlights the urgent need for a coordinated and effective response to ensure their safe return and to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.

For now, the families of the fallen soldiers and the South African public await answers, while the trapped troops face an uncertain future in a conflict that shows no signs of abating.