By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says it has begun withdrawing its troops and equipment from the eastern DRC.
The soldiers were deployed to the SADC mission in December 2023.
The mission was terminated after 14 soldiers died during a battle with M23 rebels for control of the Goma airport.
SANDF’s Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala says since 29 April, their advance team has safely crossed and is en route to Tanzania.
He said the SADC summit, along with subsequent meetings of SADC ministers of defence and the chiefs of defence forces of the SAMIDRC troop contributing countries, endorsed the SAMIDRC withdrawal plan via road through Rwanda and Tanzania.
Tshabalala said a reconnaissance mission, which included representatives from Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and the Sadc secretariat was conducted from April 14 to 19 to assess and confirm the withdrawal route from Goma through Rwanda to Chato in Tanzania towards the respective TCC home countries.
“The team’s findings informed the finalisation of the withdrawal plan. This plan will ensure the safe and efficient return of personnel and assets.
“The withdrawal will take place in phases and the SANDF will provide regular updates to the public regarding the safe return of our soldiers to South Africa,” he said.
The SAMIDRC deployment was criticised by military specialists and soldiers for the seeming haphazard and ill-prepared way in which South African forces, as the leading country, were sent to eastern DRC, without air support and proper logistics.