A second contingent of South African soldiers returned home Sunday night from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), two days after the first group arrived on Friday.
The returning troops are part of a phased withdrawal following the termination of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) mission mandate in March.
Speaking ahead of the soldiers’ arrival in Bloemfontein, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga said more South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops are expected over the next week, with a third group due to arrive on Monday afternoon.
She said full withdrawal of personnel and equipment is expected to be completed by month’s end.
“We are working around the clock with our counterparts in the region to ensure that the process runs expeditiously with minimal logistical risks,” Motshekga said.
SANDF chief of joint operations Siphiwe Sangweni confirmed that the withdrawal process will continue over the coming weeks, with approximately nine additional flights planned to repatriate all remaining personnel.
Upon arrival, the soldiers will undergo the standard demobilisation programme, which includes comprehensive health screenings, psychological support and reunification services before being reassigned to their respective bases or returning to their families.
SAMIDRC was deployed by SADC in December 2023 to help the DRC government fight rebels in the east of the country.
The mission, however, faced logistical challenges and encountered resistance from M23 rebels, resulting in several casualties among troops from the contributing countries – Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania.
Earlier this year, 14 SANDF troops lost their lives and others sustained injuries during clashes with the M23 rebel group, as fighting in the Goma region escalated.
The withdrawal was part of a strategic decision reached during high-level SADC consultations after escalating violence and deteriorating conditions in eastern DRC.
Both Motshekga and Sangweni noted the need for enhanced funding and modern equipment to strengthen the SANDF’s future peacekeeping capabilities in Africa.
JN/APA