South African soldiers expected out of DRC by end of May

702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane speaks with military and defence analyst Helmoed Heitman.

Listen below:

The first SANDF forces have finally made their way out of the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This is the beginning of a phased withdrawal after a ceasefire.

South African soldiers were in the DRC as part of a peacekeeping mission, but became trapped in the country when the conflict escalated.

M23 controls the airport, meaning there had to be delicate negotiations to get our troops out, according to Heitman.

“Withdrawal really was the only option.”

- Helmoed Heitman, military analyst

RELATED: Peacekeepers vs peace enforcers: which role do the SANDF play in the DRC?

Heitman says the withdrawal will take time as equipment needs to be moved and the journey needs to be monitored to ensure it is safe.

SANDF chief General Rudzani Maphwanywa expects all South African soldiers to be out of the country by the end of this month.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview for more.