The M23 rebels have declared a ceasfire.
Image: AFP
The M23 has announced a ceasefire, effective from today.
The Congolese, Tutsi-led rebel group has been engaged in violent clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has claimed the lives of more than 700 people, including 14 South African National Defense Force (SANDF) soldiers.
The group have further called for peacekeepers to be withdrawn from the region.
The ceasefire announcement comes just days before a meeting between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African leaders.
In a statement, the SADC condemned the attacks in the DRC, led by the M23 group.
Meanwhile, South African Defense Minister, Angie Motshekga, is yet to confirm when the bodies of the slain SANDF soldiers will be repatriated back home.
Names of the 14 soldiers killed in battle
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
The SANDF said these soldiers were part of the SANDF contingent deployed to the region as part of both the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo(SAMIDRC) and The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). They displayed extraordinary courage in their confrontation with the M23 armed group.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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