SANDF downplays claims group of SA troops stranded in eastern DRC

Eyewitness News

19-05-2025

JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has downplayed claims that a group of South African troops are stranded in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a stalled mission to withdraw peacekeepers in the warring country.
This follows reports in the Sunday papers that buses meant to transport soldiers from Goma back to South Africa failed to arrive after army officials announced the scaling down of the mission two weeks ago.
Around 3,000 SANDF troops have been stationed in Goma since December 2023 in peacekeeping efforts amid tensions between the DRC armed forces and M23 rebels.
The decision to withdraw regional troops from the volatile eastern DRC was taken by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) after a ceasefire was brokered earlier in 2025.
The first group of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) troops exited Goma in April, including 30 South Africans who are part of a team responsible for organising the withdrawal of the remaining peacekeepers.
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The second phase of the withdrawal is expected to wrap up in May.
However, a report by the City Press has now cast doubt on the pace of the mission, with claims SADC has not hired the buses needed to complete the withdrawal due to a lack of funds.
In a late-night statement, the SANDF refuted these claims, adding that the plans are still on track.
Artillery, heavy weapons, and other equipment are being transported out by trucks.
'The South African National Defence Force wishes to assure the public that the withdrawal of the SAMIDRC contingent from the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently underway and proceeding according to plan, as previously communicated at the DoD Media Briefing held on Sunday, 4 May 2025,' the statement reads.
'The logistical arrangements for the withdrawal remain under the full coordination and control of the Southern African Development Community. We further assure the public that all SANDF members deployed as part of this mission are safe, adequately supplied for and continue to receive their daily meals and essentials. No member is stranded or without support.
While the SANDF has come under fire for deploying troops where 14 South African soldiers died, army chief Rudzani Maphwanya previously described the mission as a success.