The Department of Defence and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has sought to assure the country that there will be a smooth withdrawal of troops from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
SAMIDRC has already begun a phased-out withdrawal from Goma to Tanzania by road, following a decision reached by SADC leaders two months ago.
The withdrawal includes the movement and repatriation for both equipment and personnel.
Fourteen SANDF members were killed during clashes with M23 rebels in Goma in January.
Briefing the media in Pretoria, SANDF Chief Rudzani Maphwanya said the withdrawal has been communicated with warring parties, which include the governments of the DRC, Rwanda, and the M23 rebels.
“We’re withdrawing now in a phased manner, with our troops going to the assembly area in Tanzania.
SADC has written a letter to the government of Rwanda, to say that for the troops to go to Tanzania, they would have to pass through the space of Rwanda.
SADC leaders decided that it is our thoroughfare to our assembly area, and from there all the forces will go to their respective countries in one or the other.
Equipment will be by sea to South Africa, personnel will be by air,” said Maphwanya.
The General said the SADC defence chiefs met with the leadership of the M23 rebel group, and then that the “withdrawal of its personnel and equipment, is unconditional.”
He said the movement was planned a long time ago, adding that all warring parties had committed to observe the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities.
“This movement started on the 29th, where we started with 13 trucks, with an advanced team of 57 members who are already at the assembly point, preparing for the rest of the soldiers to come.
By Sunday, the second batch had already left.
This movement will be concluded by the end of this month,” explained Maphwanya.
Furthermore, Maphwanya highlighted that SANDF troops deployed under MONUSCO will remain in the DRC under the United Nations, and only SAMIDRC troops are withdrawing.
Meanwhile, speaking at the same media briefing, Motshekga paid tribute to SANDF members who took part in the mission.
“The withdrawal of the SANDF from eastern DRC marks an important new chapter in our regional peacekeeping efforts.
This withdrawal is a structured process designed to ensure safe return of both our troops and equipment.
All our logistical support will continue during this phase.
I want to take the opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the brave men and women of the SANDF who served with honour, pride, professionalism, and commitment, under extremely challenging circumstances,” said Motshekga.
The minister also paid tribute to the families of the members who died on duty in the DRC.
