Cape Town – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has begun a phased withdrawal of its troops and equipment from the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in line with a directive from the SADC heads of state summit held in March.
SANDF troops were part of the SADC mission combating armed groups in the region.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has commenced the phased withdrawal of its personnel and equipment from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as from 29 April 2025 as part of SAMIDRC,” SANDF said in a statement on Thursday.
It added: “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.”
The SA National Defence Force Media Statement || Wednesday, 30 April 2025 ||SANDF begins phased withdrawal from the DRC in line with SADC Directive.
Media Statement by Defence Corporate Communication || Media Liaison.#SANDF#JointOperationsDivision#DCCMediaLiaison#DRC pic.twitter.com/Epe4CK9cjB
— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) May 1, 2025
The approved exit route will see troops travel from Goma through Rwanda to Chato, Tanzania, before returning to their home countries.
A recent joint reconnaissance by Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania confirmed the route’s viability.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
