The phased process of recalling the SA troops and equipment got underway on Tuesday, confirmed the SANDF in a statement.
Image: File picture
THE families of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members deployed in the volatile eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) can expect their loved ones home soon as they have begun withdrawing from the mission.
The phased process of recalling the SA troops and equipment got underway on Tuesday, confirmed the SANDF in a statement Thursday.
South Africa suffered the loss of about 14 soldiers when M23 rebels, with the backing of DRC neighbours Rwanda launched an attack in efforts to capture some of the strategic towns including an airport in Goma, eastern DRC. The M23’s capture of key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, has severely disrupted humanitarian efforts and heightened the urgency for troop withdrawal.
They were deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
In a statement on Thursday, the SANDF said the withdrawal was informed by the directive issued by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government meeting held virtually on March 13.
“The Summit, along with subsequent meetings of SADC Ministers of Defence and the Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) of the SAMIDRC Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), endorsed the SAMIDRC Withdrawal Plan via road through Rwanda and Tanzania. A reconnaissance mission which included representatives from Republic of Malawi, Republic of South Africa, and United Republic of Tanzania and SADC secretariat was conducted from 14 to 19 April 2025 to assess and confirm the withdrawal route from Goma (DRC) through Rwanda to Chato in the United Republic of Tanzania (URT), towards the respective TCC home countries.”
The SANDF has assured South Africans that the withdrawal plan will ensure the safe and efficient return of personnel and assets.
“The withdrawal will take place in phases, and the SANDF will provide regular updates to the public regarding the safe return of our soldiers to the Republic of South Africa.”
Cape Times