Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga has welcomed the return of 249 South African troops deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

The first group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members arrived at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria on Friday from Tanzania, following South Africa’s phased withdrawal from the regional peacekeeping mission.

Bloemfontein Courant reports the troops were initially expected to arrive at the Air Force Base in Bloemfontein around midday on Friday. However, logistical challenges saw their flight eventually landing in Pretoria.

“The idea of seeing our soldiers in good spirits and genuinely excited to be home not only speaks volumes of their unwavering patriotism but is also a powerful expression of their steadfast commitment to defend the territorial integrity of the Republic and support its people – a constitutional mandate every member of the South African National Defence Force lives and serves by,” Motshekga said.

The withdrawal of the soldiers was announced by the minister in May following a ‘high level consultation with several role-players in the peacekeeping efforts within the eastern DRC’.

Earlier this year, 14 SANDF members lost their lives and others were injured during clashes with the M23 rebel group as fighting escalated in the Goma region.

The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers between January 23 and 27 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma.

The South African soldiers were part of SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.

Motshekga said the meticulous withdrawal process includes the safe retrieval of all prime mission equipment, which is currently underway.

“As stated by the chief of the SANDF during our last media briefing on this matter, we shall not leave even a pin behind. All necessary logistical support will continue until the withdrawal is fully completed.

“We are fully aware that half the work is done in terms of prime mission rquipment movement, hence we are working around the clock with our counterparts in the region to ensure that the process runs expeditiously with minimal logistical risks,” she said.

She assured South Africans that government will continue to provide the latest developments as the process unfolds.

“Our main focus from now on is to prioritise their standard procedure of demobilisation. This will include crucial psychosocial sessions, after which they will return to their respective units and, thereafter, be reunited with their families,” the minister said.

Motshekga reaffirmed South Africa’s continued commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Southern African region. –SAnews.gov.za

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