First group of South African soldiers head back from DRC mission

SANDF soldiers

The first group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers will return home to Air Force Base Bloemspruit this Friday after deployment to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for a peacekeeping mission under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) .

Deployed in December 2023 alongside troops from Malawi and Tanzania, these SANDF forces were tasked with countering the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel insurgency in the volatile Goma region. The mission suffered heavy casualties, with 14 South African soldiers killed in January engagements

Meanwhile, according to Eye Witness News, following a ceasefire agreement between the Congolese government and M23 rebel leadership in March, SADC officially terminated the mandate. A phased withdrawal began in April, with troops traveling by land through Rwanda and Tanzania before being flown back, and equipment shipped home by sea.

This week’s return will be marked with an official welcome by Defence Minister Angelina Motshekga and members of the Military Command Council. Reuters further reports that the SANDF is expected to reflect on the mission’s challenges and losses, with the South African Government of National Unity member party, the Democratic Allianc,e calling for an inquiry into its conduct and leadership accountability.

As South Africa winds down its engagement, the attention shifts toward diplomatic efforts. Regional leaders, along with Qatar and the United States, continue to support political dialogue aimed at solidifying peace and preventing M23 resurgence.