Despite troop withdrawal in DRC, situation 'remains fluid'
CAPE TOWN - Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa said that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains fluid despite the phased withdrawal of troops from the region.
Three convoys of soldiers and equipment have now left the country and have arrived at a transition camp in Tanzania.
The defence force on Friday briefed Parliament's joint standing committee on defence on how it plans to bring back the troops and equipment deployed in the area since December 2023.
ALSO READ: Motshekga a no-show in Parly to brief defence committee on DRC troops withdrawal
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) took the decision in March to end the joint operation that also includes forces from Malawi and Tanzania.
Holomisa said that despite the withdrawal operation being in full force, this was still an active deployment.
Fourteen soldiers died in the crossfire between M23 and DRC forces in January.
"Our forces are still operational in the DRC under MONUSCO (the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) framework, and the situation on the ground remains fluid."
Holomisa said that the defence force remains committed to accountability and the prudent use of public finances related to the mission, which has so far cost the taxpayer R1.6 billion.
"We are acutely aware of challenges the department has faced in the past, especially in relation to logistical delays in troop deployments to the DRC. This must not be allowed to repeat themselves."
The SANDF said it intended to repatriate its forces from the assembly point in Tanzania by air.
Some cargo will also be airlifted to bases in Bloemfontein and Pretoria, while larger equipment will travel by sea from Dar-es-Salaam to Durban and returned to bases by rail.
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