Second Contingent of South African Peacekeepers Pull Out of DR Congo
(MENAFN) The second contingent of South African peacekeepers left the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday and arrived safely at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria, local media confirmed.
The South African Defence Force previously announced that the initial group of 249 soldiers returned from Tanzania on Friday, with a third batch expected back on Monday.
The South African Defence Force previously announced that the initial group of 249 soldiers returned from Tanzania on Friday, with a third batch expected back on Monday.
These troops were part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission deployed to eastern Congo, a deployment authorized by the 16-nation bloc in May 2023.
On Thursday, SADC declared the commencement of the second and final phase of troop withdrawals following the early March termination of the mission’s mandate in the region.
The drawdown began in April, including the systematic removal of equipment and logistical assets.
Since December 2024, the M23 rebel faction—central to the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo—has taken control of key areas, notably the provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu in North and South Kivu provinces. This surge has exacerbated the region’s chronic instability driven by armed groups.
Fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese forces has resulted in at least 20 peacekeeper deaths, 14 of whom were South African soldiers.
Despite peace negotiations facilitated by the Emir of Qatar, recent weeks have seen continued armed clashes and heavy artillery exchanges in Rutshuru territory.
The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, an allegation that Rwanda strongly denies.
Prime Minister Judith Suminwa stated that the violence has Left more than 7,000 people dead so far this year. Meanwhile, UN data reveals over 7.8 million individuals have been displaced due to the conflict.
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