Sat Jan 25 20:36:50 UTC 2025: ## Nine South African Soldiers Killed in Eastern Congo as Rebels Advance on Goma

**Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo –** Nine South African soldiers have been killed in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, the South African defence department announced Saturday. The deaths occurred during fierce fighting between Congolese troops, UN peacekeepers, and M23 rebels, a Rwanda-backed group that has recently seized more territory than ever before in its three-year insurgency.

The fighting, which included heavy bombardment near Goma, resulted in a combined death toll of at least 11 Southern African soldiers over two days. The M23 rebels attempted to advance on Goma, a city of over 1 million people, but were ultimately pushed back, according to South African officials. The fighting also claimed the life of North Kivu’s military governor earlier this week.

Following the escalation, the UN has begun temporarily relocating non-essential staff from Goma due to worsening security conditions. The UN, Congo, and others accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 with troops and weapons – an allegation Rwanda denies. However, the surge in fighting has prompted renewed international calls for Rwanda to disengage. The European Union issued a statement Saturday demanding that Rwanda cease its support for the M23 and withdraw its forces.

The escalating conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, forcing an additional 400,000 people to flee their homes this year, according to the UN refugee agency. Human Rights Watch described the situation facing Goma’s civilians as “increasingly perilous,” highlighting the enormous humanitarian needs.

The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on Monday to address the crisis. The situation remains tense, despite a relatively calm atmosphere reported in Goma on Saturday. The Congolese government and army have yet to comment on the current status of the fighting.

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