A video circulating on social media showing a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier raising a white flag at the military base in Sake, near Goma, has sparked widespread speculation that South African forces surrendered to M23 rebels.
Video showing SANDF troops ‘surrendering’ to M23 rebels goes viral
However, SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini has firmly denied these claims, providing critical context to the footage.
Dlamini acknowledged the video’s authenticity but, in a statement to Daily Maverick, explained that the white flag was raised as part of a temporary truce negotiated between SANDF forces and M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda.
“The white flag was raised to allow both sides to retrieve their dead and evacuate the wounded,” Dlamini clarified.
The agreement was never implemented, as M23 negotiators withdrew without finalising the terms.
He made it abundantly clear that “it was not a surrender.”
Instead, the SANDF remained confined to their positions in Sake, unable to transport their wounded to receive medical attention or resupply their troops.
The video has sparked outrage online, with critics raising concerns about the SANDF’s position in the volatile conflict and its ability to operate effectively.
The SANDF has called for patience as investigations and reinforcements are underway.
What’s the latest situation report on Goma?
The conflict in Goma continues to escalate as M23 rebels solidify their control over key parts of the city.
Despite claiming victory over Goma, the rebels have yet to take control of the airport, where intense skirmishes persist between M23 and DRC forces, along with their allies.
South Africa has now lost 13 soldiers in the fighting, with the most recent fatalities occurring at the airport and during fierce clashes last week.
Three SANDF soldiers died in the fighting on Monday, while another succumbed to injuries sustained during the battles last week Thursday and Friday.
According to reports, SANDF troops remain isolated in their bases at Sake and Goma, with limited supplies and no means to evacuate their injured soldiers.
Dlamini confirmed that reinforcements and supplies have been dispatched from South Africa, with aircraft departing Air Force Base Waterkloof early this morning.
For the first time, South African officials have named Rwanda as an active supporter of the M23 rebels, marking a significant shift in the country’s stance on the conflict.
Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict has been widely reported but rarely acknowledged at the governmental level.
Rwanda has also closed Lake Kivu to all traffic, further complicating the movement of supplies and reinforcements to the besieged area.