In a response to the deteriorating situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo following the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, Southern African Development Community - SADC deployed a military force, led by the South African military, to stabilise the region in December 2023.

According to the UN, over 6 million have been displaced in the DRC as a result of the armed conflict.

The deployment followed the withdrawal of Monusco - the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, after 20 years since it was sent to the country. Over 2,900 South Africa's soldiers are part of the Mission, however, concerns have been raised regarding the vulnerability of the South African army currently deployed in the DRC.

To discuss further is National Secretary for the South African National Defence Union (SANDU), Adv Pikkie Greeff and Defence analyst Helmoed Heitman.