US EditionSouth African Troops: Withdrawing From the DRC Peace Mission
- South African troops began returning from the now-terminated SAMIDRC peace mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with 249 soldiers arriving at Waterkloof Air Force Base on 13 June 2025.
- The mission ended after SADC leaders agreed to terminate its mandate on 13 March 2025 due to rising costs, casualties, and the M23 rebels' takeover of key territorial capitals.
- The withdrawal exposed logistical failures including damaged airstrips in Goma, equipment evacuation via Rwanda, delayed troop movements, and stranded soldiers, fueling criticism of SANDF planning.
- Chris Hattingh, spokesperson for the DA on defence matters, criticized the handling of the withdrawal, emphasizing that those involved should be managed with thoughtful coordination and honor, rather than being reduced to instruments in an ineffective publicity stunt.
- Repeated logistical problems and operational shortcomings question military leadership and competence, while the DA calls for a full parliamentary report on the mission’s collapse and repatriation delays.
11 Articles
11 Articles
The South African
MSNSouth African troops: Withdrawing from the DRC peace mission
South African troops joined the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) under Operation THIBA. The mission aimed to assist the Congolese army in neutralising rebel armed groups while securing humanitarian routes in North Kivu. On 17 November 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the SADC signed a Status-of-Forces Agreement (SOFA). The presidential report of 12 February 20…
Demobilisation programme instituted as second SANDF group returns from DRC
The remaining troops, said to number 2,000, serving with the now terminated SAMIDRC are due to return home by month-end. Equipment is being transported from Tanzania by sea and is expected to arrive later.
More SANDF troops return home
More SANDF troops return home Janine2 Tue, 06/17/2025 - 17:20 SANDF soldiers landing JOHANNESBURG - South African troops are returning home from the Democratic Republic of Congo.Their phased withdrawal follows SADC’s decision to end its peacekeeping mission in the region.READ: DRC withdrawal | Fourth SANDF group set to return homeThis comes just months after 14 South African soldiers were killed in clashes with M23 rebels.The latest flight car…
4th group of SADC soldiers from DRC back home - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.
The fourth group of soldiers returning from the SADC peacekeeping mission in the DRC has arrived at Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein. The soldiers are expected to begin with their demobilization programme at Tempe Military base in Bloemfontein. Their return follows a ceasefire agreement between the M23 rebels and the DRC military. The phased withdrawal is expected to be completed by June 25th. South Africa lost 14 soldiers as M…
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