Latest news with #UNPeacekeepingDay
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
SANDF says 2nd group of troops still in DRC will return once all combat equipment arrives in Tanzania
JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said the second group of troops still in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will only return home once all combat equipment has arrived at the assembly point in Tanzania. Chief of the SANDF Rudzani Maphwanya revealed this during the observation of annual United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Day at De Brug Military Base in Bloemfontein on Thursday. ALSO READ: - General Maphwanya: SANDF undeterred and committed to ensure peace prevails in Africa - UN Peacekeeping Day: SANDF honours fallen soldiers killed in DRC - SANDF refutes claims of troops returning from DRC surrendering weapons in Rwanda The first group of soldiers was withdrawn from the war-torn country recently, with the SANDF saying it's conducting a phased withdrawal of all troops. General Maphwanya said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has authorised transportation for peacekeepers to return to their respective countries. Earlier in 2025, the SADC gave an official directive to withdraw all SADC troops and equipment. The decision came after a ceasefire was brokered with M23 and the DRC military during a summit in Tanzania in March. Before talks began, South Africa lost 14 soldiers deployed to the volatile region of Goma, north of Kivu. 'We are working around the clock with the SADC Secretariat to ensure that we get all our people and equipment back from the eastern DRC,' said Maphwanya. 'We are at the critical stage of this withdrawal. The contingent's equipment of all the countries that had contributed troops, and equipment is already at above 65% to the assembly area.' He also added that all the soldiers who died serving did not die in vain. COMMITMENT TO DRC PEACEKEEPING MISSION REAFFIRMED Maphwanya has reaffirmed the national force's commitment to support the UN peacekeeping mission in the eastern DRC. Military, police, and civilian peacekeepers who contributed to fostering peace in war-torn zones were honoured during a wreath-laying ceremony. South Africa has been a part of various UN missions for almost three decades, with its largest contribution in the DRC. 'Achieving peace comes at a high price, with casualties and setbacks, yet in honouring those we have lost, we reaffirm our determination to see peace, security, and stability becoming a reality for nations across our continent and the world,' Maphwanya said.
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
General Maphwanya: SANDF undeterred and committed to ensure peace prevails in Africa
JOHANNESBURG - The chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) , General Rudzani Maphwanya, has reaffirmed the defence force's commitment to ensure peace and stability in war-ridden regions. He addressed the annual global commemoration of the International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers in De Brug Army Base in Bloemfontein on Thursday. Soldiers who died in various peacekeeping missions were honoured during a wreath-laying ceremony, with the most recent being the 14 soldiers who died in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). READ: SANDF to honour 14 soldiers who died in DRC on UN Peacekeeping Day General Maphwanya said their commitment to the mission would not be forgotten. " We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and comrades of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage and selfless commitment to peace remain an inspiration. As the chief of the South African National Defence Force and the entire members of the National Defence Force, we remain undeterred and committed to working with like-minded forces to ensure peace prevails in our continent."
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
UN Peacekeeping Day: SANDF honours fallen soldiers killed in DRC
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Defence Force (SANDF) will honuor 14 soldiers who died on assignment in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during a wreath-laying ceremony in Bloemfontein on Thursday. This in line with the global commemoration of United Nations Peacekeeping Day. The annual event seeks to honour military, police and civilian peacekeepers who have contributed to creating a more equal and just world. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will also be laying a wreath at the peacekeepers memorial in New York, in the United States to honor troops globally. More than 4000 fallen heroes and heroines have died since the first peacekeeping mission was established in 1948. READ: SANDF to honour 14 soldiers who died in DRC on UN Peacekeeping Day Their sacrifices will be honoured and celebrated globally for their pursuit of fostering peace in war-ridden countries. South Africa will remember 14 fallen soldiers during the conflict between the eastern DRC government and rebel group M23. "The South African National Defence Force takes a moment to reflect and honour its heroes and heroines. We do this annually in partnership with the United Nations to commemorate and they come here with their special representative here in South Africa and to ensure that we are still revived in terms of the message of ensuring that there is regional peace and stability in the continent," said SANDF spokesperson, Prince Tshabalala.
