According to a Sputnik Afrique report, a total of 249 soldiers were welcomed by South Africa’s Defence Minister, Angie Motshekga, who praised them for their “unwavering patriotism” in the DRC, one of the continent’s most volatile conflict zone.
In a statement to journalists, Motshekga said, “They served our country and our continent with courage and distinction under difficult conditions.”
“We are working around the clock with our partners in the region to ensure that our equipment is safely returned. We shall not leave even a pin behind.” She added, reflecting a statement made by the country’s Chief General, Rudzani Maphwanya.
The withdrawal follows the Southern African Development Community (SADC) announcement in March to end its mission in eastern DRC, after the deaths of 17 soldiers in the region, including troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania.
The reported deaths sparked renewed calls by concerned relatives for South Africa’s military disengagement from the conflict.
The mission, known as SAMIDRC, had been deployed in December 2023, to support Congolese forces in pushing back against armed groups destabilizing the mineral-rich North and South Kivu provinces, which border Rwanda and have been plagued by years of violence.
The origin of external military operations in the region stems from the violence and humanitarian crises triggered by the M23 rebel group, which is believed to be backed by Rwanda and controls large swathes of territory.
SA debunks retreat, casualty count rises
Reports indicate that at least 14 South African soldiers under the SADC mission were killed in the line of duty in January, including two serving with the United Nations peacekeeping force. Troops from Malawi and Tanzania have also suffered losses.
South Africa’s Defence Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya stressed in May that the withdrawal was not a retreat, but rather a “technical move that allows peace and mediation to continue.”
SADC’s decision to withdraw marks a turning point for the region, shifting focus from direct military involvement to supporting long-term peacebuilding and diplomatic engagement in the DRC.
While South Africa has not confirmed when the remaining troops will return, defence officials say the process will be carried out in stages, in coordination with SADC member states and Congolese authorities.
The situation in eastern Congo remains volatile, with millions of civilians displaced.
However, despite ongoing mediation efforts from concerned countries and stakeholders, particularly the US, Qatar, the African Union (AU), and various humanitarian organizations, the challenge of building peace, trust, and stability in the region persists.
Nevertheless, more African nations are taking the destiny of the continent into their own hands.
