First group of SA troops to arrive back from DRC on Friday

SANDF

Bloemfontein — The first group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) is scheduled to arrive back home on Friday, June 13, 2025.

The soldiers will land at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein, marking a significant milestone in the phased withdrawal from the conflict-ridden region.

The SANDF troops were deployed in December 2023 to Goma, eastern DRC, to assist in peacekeeping efforts amid ongoing hostilities between the Congolese government forces and the M23 rebel group.

The mission, involving troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi, aimed to stabilise the volatile region and support a ceasefire brokered earlier this year, Defence Web reported.

The withdrawal follows the termination of SAMIDRC’s mandate in March 2025, with the exit process being conducted in stages.

The initial group began moving out on April 29, 2025, travelling by road through Rwanda to Tanzania, where logistical arrangements are in place to transport personnel and equipment by sea back to South Africa.

Upon arrival, the troops will be welcomed by Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, accompanied by members of the Military Command Council.

A media briefing will follow at 2 pm at the 44 Parachute Regiment in Tempe Military Base, where the minister will reflect on the mission’s outcomes and outline the SANDF’s ongoing peacekeeping role in Africa.

“The troops will be welcomed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, accompanied by the members of the Military Command Council,” EWN quoted Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala of the SANDF as saying.

He acknowledged the challenges faced during the deployment but affirmed the SANDF’s view that the mission was a success despite criticism, resource constraints, and the tragic loss of 14 soldiers.

However, the mission has not been without controversy. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has strongly rejected the SANDF’s claims of success, describing the deployment as a “catastrophic failure” marked by disorganisation and inadequate support for troops in the field.

DA spokesperson Nicholas Gotsell condemned the mission’s execution, pointing to the deaths and injuries sustained by soldiers sent into combat without sufficient air support or equipment7.

Despite such criticisms, the SANDF has assured the public that the withdrawal is proceeding as planned, with no soldiers stranded or unsupported.

Motshekga described the withdrawal as a “structured process designed to ensure safe return of both our troops and equipment,” emphasising continued logistical support throughout the phase.

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