South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as part of a regional mission have faced an embarrassing homecoming.
It came as the nation grapples with the human cost of its involvement in the volatile region, where Pretoria sent troops to the Congo as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
And the stark realities of conflict returned to South African soil as injured soldiers from the SANDF were repatriated from the DRC via ‘enemy territory’ Rwanda and admitted to 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria.
This homecoming, unfolded against a backdrop of military setbacks, political tensions, and serious questions about the nation's involvement in the volatile region. The plane ferrying the troops departed from Kigali on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, SANDF Spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini confirmed the arrival of critically injured soldiers, assuring the public that they would receive "high-level medical care."
The remainder of the SANDF contingent, still stationed in the DRC, were scheduled to return throughout last week.
This repatriation follows a turbulent period of combat between January 23 and 27, 2025, where South African troops, deployed as part of SAMIDRC, clashed with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Eastern DRC.
The conflict saw the SANDF facing significant challenges, with reports and a video surfacing of soldiers waving a white flag, a symbol of surrender.
Despite the SANDF's vehement denial of these claims, the reality on the ground painted a grim picture: South African soldiers surrounded by hostile forces in their bases around Goma, Eastern DRC, were trapped and reportedly facing shortages of weapons.
"The SANDF, in coordination with other relevant role-players, have worked tirelessly to ensure the safe return of our wounded members," Mr Dlamini stated, acknowledging the precarious situation.
By Monday afternoon, SA Defence Force Union (SANDU) Spokesperson Pikkie Greeff disclosed that soldiers stationed in the DRC had boarded buses bound for Rwanda. The SANDU is a welfare organisation for soldiers.
“They have definitely boarded the buses to go to Rwanda. They are being picked up in Kigali," Mr Greeff confirmed, a move that raised eyebrows given the escalating tensions between South Africa and Rwanda.
Greeff could not provide precise troop numbers but confirmed that at least three soldiers required urgent or semi-urgent medical attention.
Between 1,000 and 2,000 soldiers remained trapped, encircled by the M23 rebels in Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, which the rebels had captured on January 27.
M23 rebels are said to be backed by Rwanda and have recently conquered Goma and Bukavu, shutting down the main airport in Goma.
Further details emerged regarding the condition of the returning soldiers: "That I know for sure. I know two of the persons are pregnant and some others are coming home for post-care on the medical issues that they had for their injuries and so on," Greeff added, highlighting the diverse challenges faced by the deployed personnel.
Dean Wingrin, a defence expert corroborated these accounts, confirming that SAMIDRC soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania were observed boarding UN buses leaving Goma for Rwanda. From there, they were to travel to their respective countries.
Wingrin also confirmed that three "critically injured" soldiers had already arrived in Pretoria. An Air Zimbabwe Boeing 767 was spotted, carrying other SAMIDRC soldiers repatriating for various reasons, with a stop in Lilongwe, Malawi, before heading to South Africa.
The human cost of the conflict became painfully clear as it was revealed that fourteen South African soldiers died in combat against the M23 rebels.
Thirteen of these soldiers were laid to rest in their hometowns last weekend. At least 189 South African soldiers were wounded or fell sick in the DRC, with at least five seriously injured. Two were pregnant although it was unclear whether they fell pregnant before deployment.
The situation has been further complicated by a significant diplomatic rift between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Tensions escalated following the deaths of the South African soldiers, with President Ramaphosa publicly condemning the M23 rebels and warning that further attacks would be considered a "declaration of war." But he had also labeled Rwandan forces as ‘militia’, something that angered the Rwandan leader.
President Kagame responded sharply, accusing South Africa of involvement in offensive operations against the Congolese people, rather than peacekeeping. The historical context of strained relations is older, and dates back to the 2014 expulsion of diplomats.
The South African leader, in an attempt to de-escalate, stated that he had spoken with his Rwandan counterpart about the need for a ceasefire and peace talks, emphasising that South African troops were not engaging in acts of war. Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, however, reiterated that any attacks on South African soldiers would be taken seriously.
President Kagame, in his rebuttal, denied any involvement in attacks on South African troops, calling the accusations "lies" and asserting that the Rwandan Defence Force was a professional army, not a militia. He also claimed that President Ramaphosa had not issued any warnings and described the South African troops as part of a "belligerent force."
Despite the escalating rhetoric, South African soldiers continued their return journey via Rwanda, a move that underscored the complex geopolitical landscape.
The SANDF's presence in the DRC is part of SAMIDRC, which includes troops from Malawi and Tanzania, and is aligned with the UN peacekeeping mission Monusco.
The deployment, approved by SADC in May 2023, aims to support the DRC government in restoring peace and security in the eastern region, a mandate that implies a more robust role than traditional peacekeeping.
However, questions have been raised about the preparedness and equipment of the South African troops. Critics have labelled the deployment "suicidal," citing budget cuts, resource limitations, and the complex nature of the conflict.
While South African soldiers possess valuable experience from previous missions, concerns remain about their current level of readiness.
The challenges are compounded by the presence of over 100 armed groups and the difficult terrain. The SANDF's reliance on aging equipment, coupled with shortages due to maintenance issues, has further hampered their effectiveness.
Budget cuts, reducing defence spending to less than 1 percent of GDP, have severely impacted the military's ability to maintain equipment, conduct training, and modernise its forces.
The lack of essential resources, including adequate air support, attack helicopters, and modern equipment, has limited the SANDF's ability to respond effectively to threats.
The inability to deploy Gripen and Rooivalk helicopters due to maintenance issues has been a significant disadvantage. Furthermore, the SADC mission, authorised for 5,000 troops, has fallen short, with only about 1,300 deployed as of late January 2025.
The economic dimensions of the conflict have also come under scrutiny. Allegations of President Ramaphosa's personal interests in mining companies operating in the DRC have been raised, with Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo calling for transparency.
While the South African government denies any economic motivations, the potential impact on South African businesses and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is undeniable.
he DRC's new regulations regarding transformation and localisation laws have also affected South African companies operating in the region. These regulations require foreign companies to work with local partners, impacting mining and geological firms.
Despite the complexities and challenges, the return of South African soldiers from the DRC marks a critical juncture. The nation grapples with the human cost of the conflict, the political fallout, and the strategic implications of its involvement in a volatile region.
As the soldiers return, South Africa must confront the questions of preparedness, resource allocation, and the long-term implications of its foreign policy.
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