South Africa recently welcomed back 249 soldiers who had been serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a volatile conflict zone in Africa. The soldiers were praised by South Africa’s Defence Minister, Angie Motshekga, for their unwavering patriotism during their time in the DRC.
Motshekga commended the soldiers for their courage and dedication in serving both their country and the continent under challenging conditions. She also assured that efforts were being made to safely return all equipment used during the mission, echoing a statement made by Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya.
The decision to withdraw the troops came following the announcement by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to end its mission in eastern DRC. This decision was prompted by the deaths of 17 soldiers in the region, including troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, which sparked calls for South Africa to disengage from the conflict.
The mission, known as SAMIDRC, was initially deployed to support Congolese forces in combating armed groups in the North and South Kivu provinces, which have been plagued by violence for years. The origin of external military operations in the region can be traced back to the M23 rebel group, believed to be backed by Rwanda.
Reports indicated that 14 South African soldiers under the SADC mission were killed in January, along with troops from Malawi and Tanzania. Despite the casualties, Defence Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya emphasized that the withdrawal was not a retreat but a strategic move to allow peace and mediation efforts to continue.
SADC’s decision to withdraw marks a shift towards supporting long-term peacebuilding and diplomatic engagement in the DRC, moving away from direct military involvement. The remaining troops are expected to return in stages, in coordination with SADC member states and Congolese authorities.
The situation in eastern Congo remains volatile, with millions of civilians displaced. Efforts from various countries, organizations, and stakeholders are ongoing to mediate and establish peace in the region. African nations are increasingly taking charge of the continent’s destiny, working towards stability and security in conflict-ridden areas.
