In a tragic incident, a hand grenade exploded near sleeping quarters at a base in Beni, resulting in the loss of life of an SANDF soldier stationed in the DRC. The SANDF and Monusco are conducting an inquiry to determine the cause of the explosion. The security situation in North Kivu has deteriorated, raising concerns of a potential M23 rebel threat. The UN Security Council has urged the DRC and Rwanda to cease supporting rebel forces.
This incident underscores the escalating crisis in the region, with SAMIDRC facing casualties and the FARDC struggling to defend key areas. Monusco is also in the process of withdrawing from the DRC as per President Felix Tshisekedi’s request.
As the situation worsens, the Security Council aims to fully capacitate SAMIDRC by early August to prevent further destabilization in the Great Lakes region.