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The group have further called for peacekeepers to be withdrawn from the region.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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