First group of SANDF soldiers deployed to DRC set to return home on Friday

JOHANNESBURG - The first group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers deployed to war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to touch down on home soil on Friday.

The troops have been stationed in Goma since December 2023 in peacekeeping efforts amid tensions between DRC forces and M23 rebels.

They were part of teams deployed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), alongside soldiers from Tanzania and Malawi.

The number of returning soldiers is unclear at this stage.

Earlier in 2025, a decision was taken to withdraw all SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) troops after a ceasefire was brokered between the Congolese government and M23 rebels.

The SANDF confirmed the exit of the peacekeepers and artillery would be done in stages.

In April, 57 soldiers travelled by road from their bases in Goma and Sake in eastern DRC, through Rwanda to Tanzania.

The group, including 30 South Africans, were part of the advance party that was organising the withdrawal of the remaining SAMIDRC force, which is believed to be between 2,000 and 3,000 troops.

"he troops will be welcomed by the minister of defence and military veterans, accompanied by the members of the Military Command Council," said SANDF Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala

Despite criticism about the deployment, a lack of resources and the death of 14 soldiers, the SANDF believes the mission was a success.