Over 250 SANDF troops deployed to DRC set to arrive back on home soil
JOHANNESBURG - More than 250 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops who were deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are set to arrive back on home soil on Friday afternoon.
The troops are expected to land at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein at midday.
This marks the end of the SANDF's participation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC, which saw South African soldiers fight alongside Malawian and Tanzanian troops in an effort to restore peace in the eastern part of the country.
In May, South Africa withdrew its troops from the DRC, having lost 14 soldiers in a battle with M23 rebels in January.
The loss of lives sparked a national outcry, resulting in a public spat between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame on X.
Ramaphosa's labelling of the Rwandan Defence Force as a "militia" didn't sit well with Kagame.
Tensions between the countries have since subsided.
In May, both leaders formed part of a presidential panel at the opening of the African CEO Forum in the Ivory Coast.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to welcome the troops upon their arrival.
ALSO READ: SANDF refutes claims of troops returning from DRC surrendering weapons in Rwanda
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