South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel deployed in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are facing harsh conditions, surviving on just one meal a day while being cut off from communication networks. The dire situation has been exacerbated by recent violence and strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and Rwanda.
A senior SANDF official revealed that although the situation in Goma has somewhat stabilized after recent violence, the troops remain in a precarious position. Thirteen peacekeepers were killed in Goma, heightening fears among the soldiers stationed there. Despite the cessation of fighting, the threat of violence looms, and the soldiers are left to navigate a challenging environment with minimal support.
The troops are grappling with severe shortages, relying on pantry supplies to prepare a single meal daily, supplemented only by cereal in the mornings. The official noted that while the SANDF base remains intact and has power, communication lines have been severed, leaving the troops isolated. Satellite phones provide the only link to the outside world, but information about their next steps remains sparse, contributing to growing anxiety among the soldiers.
Looting has ravaged the area, including Goma airport, where vandals stripped the building of its roof sheets and even removed some aircraft. Despite these challenges, the SANDF base has not been overrun, and the soldiers retain their weapons to deter looters. However, the lack of food supplies and deteriorating sanitary conditions pose serious risks. With the servicing company unable to maintain toilet facilities, hygiene concerns are mounting, adding another layer of stress for the deployed personnel.
The Rwandan forces have taken control of Goma airport and are monitoring the situation. The SANDF official stated that, for now, the Rwandans are not engaging in conflict with South African troops, providing a fragile sense of security. However, tensions between Pretoria and Kigali have intensified following the deaths of the 13 soldiers, which South Africa attributes to Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Rwanda have hit a new low. Rwandan President Paul Kagame publicly accused President Cyril Ramaphosa and other South African officials of “lying” and “distorting” previous discussions, further escalating the situation. This comes in response to South Africa’s condemnation of the M23 rebel offensive in eastern DRC, which Pretoria alleges is supported by Rwandan militias.
Meanwhile, SANDF troops are feeling demoralized not only due to their precarious living conditions but also because of the low danger pay they receive. “We are earning peanuts,” one soldier remarked, highlighting the frustration among the ranks. With limited communication and little clarity on their mission’s future, the troops in Goma are left to endure both physical hardship and emotional strain, hoping for relief amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
As the world watches the unfolding crisis in Goma, the resilience of SANDF troops is being tested like never before, caught between survival and the broader diplomatic chessboard shaping the region’s future.
