SANDF says 2nd group of troops still in DRC will return once all combat equipment arrives in Tanzania
Chief of the SANDF Rudzani Maphwanya revealed this during the observation of annual UN Peacekeeping Day at De Brug Military Base in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
General Rudzani Maphwanya addressed the annual global commemoration of the International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers in De Brug Army Base in Bloemfontein on 29 May 2025. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said the second group of troops still in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will only return home once all combat equipment has arrived at the assembly point in Tanzania.
Chief of the SANDF Rudzani Maphwanya revealed this during the observation of annual United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Day at De Brug Military Base in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
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The first group of soldiers was withdrawn from the war-torn country recently, with the SANDF saying it’s conducting a phased withdrawal of all troops.
General Maphwanya said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has authorised transportation for peacekeepers to return to their respective countries.
Earlier in 2025, the SADC gave an official directive to withdraw all SADC troops and equipment.
The decision came after a ceasefire was brokered with M23 and the DRC military during a summit in Tanzania in March.
Before talks began, South Africa lost 14 soldiers deployed to the volatile region of Goma, north of Kivu.
“We are working around the clock with the SADC Secretariat to ensure that we get all our people and equipment back from the eastern DRC,” said Maphwanya.
“We are at the critical stage of this withdrawal. The contingent's equipment of all the countries that had contributed troops, and equipment is already at above 65% to the assembly area.”
He also added that all the soldiers who died serving did not die in vain.
COMMITMENT TO DRC PEACEKEEPING MISSION REAFFIRMED
Maphwanya has reaffirmed the national force's commitment to support the UN peacekeeping mission in the eastern DRC.
Military, police, and civilian peacekeepers who contributed to fostering peace in war-torn zones were honoured during a wreath-laying ceremony.
South Africa has been a part of various UN missions for almost three decades, with its largest contribution in the DRC.
“Achieving peace comes at a high price, with casualties and setbacks, yet in honouring those we have lost, we reaffirm our determination to see peace, security, and stability becoming a reality for nations across our continent and the world,” Maphwanya said.