In a significant development, South African troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have faced their first fatalities since their recent mission to quell a rebellion.

Two soldiers lost their lives, and three others were injured after a mortar bomb struck their base on Wednesday.

The attack has triggered calls from South African opposition politicians for the withdrawal of troops from DR Congo.

The deployed forces are part of a regional initiative led by the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), aimed at supporting DR Congo’s military in confronting various armed groups, including the prominent M23.

The M23’s activities, particularly its positioning near the major routes leading to Goma, DR Congo’s main eastern city, have displaced tens of thousands of people.

The situation adds to the already substantial number of individuals forced from their homes due to longstanding conflicts in the region.

While the South African army has not directly linked the recent attack to the M23, details remain sketchy, and investigations are ongoing.

Sadc initiated the deployment to DR Congo in December, taking over from the East African Force (EAF).

The EAF had been in place for about a year before departing in December.

President Félix Tshisekedi, who was re-elected for a second term, prioritized addressing the insecurity in the east of DR Congo as a key campaign promise.

The Sadc deployment, acting in solidarity with DR Congo as a member of the regional bloc, aims to assist in combating armed groups.

President Tshisekedi sought a partner willing to confront rebels directly, leading to the dismissal of the EAF, which he deemed ineffective in taking offensive actions against the M23.

As South Africa, the regional superpower, forms the backbone of the Sadc force, questions arise about the mission’s potential success.

President Tshisekedi hopes to replicate the success of a past deployment by South African troops, which, operating under the UN Intervention Brigade, forced the M23 to retreat over a decade ago.

However, analysts warn that the M23 is now stronger and better equipped.

The recent fatalities have intensified criticism from South African opposition parties, with concerns raised about the troops’ effectiveness and readiness.

Despite opposition calls for withdrawal, President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the deployment in parliament, emphasizing South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping missions in Africa.

The situation unfolds amid ongoing scrutiny and international pressure on the evolving conflict dynamics in DR Congo.