All withdrawn SANDF troops home from DRC peacekeeping mission
Two hundred and thirty-three soldiers landed at the Bram Fischer International Airport in Free State on Wednesday.
The first group of SANDF soldiers deployed to the DRC arrive at Waterkloof Air Force Base outside Pretoria on 13 June 2025. Picture: SANDF
JOHANNESBURG - All the withdrawn South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops have returned home from their peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Two hundred and thirty-three soldiers landed at the Bram Fischer International Airport in Free State on Wednesday.
This marks the last of the deployed soldiers returning from Goma.
Their return comes after a ceasefire was brokered between the rebel group M23 and the DRC military.
The first group of South African soldiers made their way back home earlier in June.
Around 3,000 peacekeeping SANDF soldiers were deployed to the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) mission in the north of Kivu, a little over a year ago.
The heightened tensions seen in Goma at the beginning of 2025 claimed the lives of thousands, including 14 SANDF soldiers.
With the final two groups back home now, the SANDF said it's a moment of celebration for the courage and sacrifice paid by soldiers.