M23 Rebels

M23 Rebels Enter Bukavu as Conflict in Eastern DRC Escalates

M23 rebels have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DRC, despite international calls for a ceasefire. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, confirmed the rebels' presence in the South Kivu provincial capital. The Rwandan-backed militants' advance has led to mass displacement, with hundreds of thousands forced from their homes in recent weeks. Meanwhile, 13 South African soldiers serving in the SADC peacekeeping force have lost their lives […]

17 February, 2025

Africa

M23 Rebels Threaten Advance on Bukavu Amid Rising Tensions

The Rwandan-backed M23 armed group has warned of a possible advance on Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, citing a worsening security situation. And according to Reuters, this comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo's government refuses to engage in direct talks with the rebels. Capturing Bukavu would mark a significant expansion of M23's control, further weakening Kinshasa’s authority in eastern Congo following the fall of Goma in late […]

12 February, 2025

South Africa

United Africans Transformation says SA Soldiers Shouldn’t Be Used in Unnecessary Conflicts

United Africans Transformation says soldiers of the South African National Defence Force should not be used as pawns in conflicts that do not directly serve South Africa’s interests. Fourteen soldiers died in conflicts with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The party's spokesperson, Mighty Mabula, says if government wants to deploy troops, it must be done with proper planning:

12 February, 2025

Africa

S.A’s Patriotic Alliance calls for vengeance against the M23 rebels

S.A's Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has called for vengeance against the M23 rebels responsible for the deaths of 14 South African National Defence Force soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In an urgent Parliamentary debate, McKenzie expressed his condolences to the fallen soldiers’ families. He criticised members of Parliament who claimed to be commanders-in-chief and challenged them to fight alongside the soldiers:

11 February, 2025

South Africa

S.A says the presence of its peacekeepers in DRC shows commitment to peace

S.A's President Cyril Ramaphosa says the presence of South African peacekeepers in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is a testament to the continued commitment to the peaceful resolution of one of the world’s most intractable conflicts. Fourteen South African National Defence Force soldiers have been killed in fighting with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the DRC. In his state of the nation address on Thursday evening, Ramaphosa said all […]

7 February, 2025

Africa

SADC Chair Mnangagwa Calls for Ceasefire in DRC

Zimbabwean president and chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has urged a ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This follows reports of Rwandan-backed rebels capturing another town near Bukavu, despite their earlier ceasefire declaration. Heavy fighting continues, with Goma still under M23 rebel control. Mnangagwa's appeal comes ahead of the Sadec and East African Community summit in Tanzania this weekend:

7 February, 2025

Africa

“Goma Call for Peace” Demands Ceasefire in DRC

The Goma Call for Peace has been launched to demand an immediate ceasefire and protection for civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Anglican bishop of Goma, Martin Gordon, highlighted the immense suffering following the M23 rebels taking control of the city, which has resulted in over 900 deaths. Gordon calls for an end to the fighting, withdrawal of foreign forces, and renewed peace talks between Rwanda and the DRC:

6 February, 2025

South Africa

SANDF Pushes for Repatriation of Soldiers Killed in DRC

The South African National Defence Force is urgently working to repatriate the bodies of 14 soldiers who died in clashes with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Minister Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa, and SANDF Chief Rudzani Maphwanya briefed Parliament on the escalating security situation in eastern DRC. Addressing lawmakers, SANDF’s Godfrey Thulare stated that the government is coordinating with the United Nations to ensure the […]

5 February, 2025

Africa

SADC to hold emergency summit on DRC crisis

SADC HQ in Gaborone, Botswana The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene an emergency summit on Friday in Harare, Zimbabwe, to address the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). […]

31 January, 2025