First group of South African soldiers deployed to DRC set to return home

The first group of SANDF soldiers deployed to the DRC is set to return home this week,with their arrival at Air Force Base Bloemspruit expected around midday on Friday.

Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images

The troops,who will be returning to Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein,will be welcomed by Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga.Their deployment was part of the SAMIDRC’s efforts to restore stability in eastern DRC,where armed groups,including M23 rebels,have engaged in violent conflict.The mission was marred by tragedy as 14 soldiers lost their lives in a fight with the M23 rebels; their remains were repatriated for burial in February. The first group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who were deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is expected to arrive back on home soil this week.

The SANDF announced on Wednesday that its troops are set to arrive at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein around midday on Friday.

“The troops will be welcomed by the minister of defence and military veterans,accompanied by members of the Military Command Council,” the SANDF said in a statement.

Their homecoming marks the end of their participation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC),which aimed to help restore peace in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the country.

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In May,South Africa announced the withdrawal of its troops months after the country lost 14 soldiers in a fight with the M23 rebels.

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The bodies of the 14 soldiers were allowed out of the war-torn area in February.

The first group of soldiers was safely withdrawn and transported to an assembly point in Tanzania in April,where they waited the arrival of the remaining troops.

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