South African Soldiers Return from DRC Peacekeeping Mission

A group of 258 South African soldiers has safely returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following months of deployment under a Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission. This marks the fifth group of troops from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to arrive back in the country as part of a gradual withdrawal process.

The returning soldiers landed at Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein on the morning of Friday, 20 June 2025, after spending more than six months in the conflict-prone North Kivu region of the eastern DRC. Their mission began in December 2023, and was focused on providing support in stabilizing the region during escalating clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group.

The SANDF’s participation in the mission formed part of a regional strategy coordinated by SADC to protect civilians, maintain peace, and assist local forces in containing armed insurgent movements threatening regional stability.

Future Role of South African Soldiers in Peacekeeping

The withdrawal of South African troops was prompted by a ceasefire agreement recently brokered between the M23 rebel group and the DRC military, signaling a tentative step toward peace after months of hostilities. As part of this ceasefire and regional repositioning, SANDF began pulling back its personnel in phases.

SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala confirmed the safe return of the fifth group and indicated that more soldiers are expected to follow in the coming days.

“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirms the safe arrival of the fifth group of 258 members at Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein this morning, Friday, 20 June 2025,” Tshabalala stated. “Additional troops will return home as demobilisation and transport logistics are finalised in the coming week.”

According to SANDF, over 2,000 South African soldiers were deployed in the DRC at the height of the mission. The full withdrawal is expected to be completed by the end of June, marking the conclusion of South Africa’s most significant regional peacekeeping involvement in recent years.

Upon returning home, the soldiers will undergo a demobilisation process which includes medical evaluations, psychological support, debriefings, and reintegration briefings. SANDF has stated that the returning troops will also be granted leave to reunite with their families, rest, and recuperate after months spent in difficult field conditions.

“Our troops have demonstrated great professionalism and discipline in a challenging environment,” Tshabalala added. “They will now take time to rest and reintegrate into civilian life before being re-assigned to new duties.”

Previous groups of returning soldiers have already begun this demobilisation phase, which includes physical health assessments and counselling to help ease the transition back to home life after the high-stress deployment.

The SANDF has faced periodic public scrutiny over its role in the DRC mission, particularly in light of reports of South African casualties and the rising costs associated with foreign deployments. Critics have questioned whether such missions align with South Africa’s domestic priorities and defence capabilities.

However, SANDF leadership has repeatedly defended the mission, arguing that peacekeeping is a key pillar of South Africa’s foreign policy and military diplomacy within the African continent. The DRC deployment was not only part of South Africa’s SADC obligations but also a contribution to continental peace and security.

“Peace in one African country affects peace in the entire region,” Tshabalala previously stated. “Our soldiers were there to protect civilians, prevent human rights abuses, and support efforts towards lasting peace.”

As South African soldiers return home, attention turns to what future role the SANDF may play in similar international missions. Defence analysts have suggested that the SANDF will continue to participate in SADC and African Union peacekeeping operations but may adopt a more strategic and rotational approach moving forward.

Internally, the SANDF is also expected to focus on strengthening border security, enhancing internal training programs, and ensuring better support for veterans returning from high-risk missions.

Families, civil society organisations, and members of Parliament have welcomed the return of the soldiers and called for proper recognition and support for their service.

“We are grateful for their safe return and urge government to ensure that these soldiers receive all the necessary care and resources during their reintegration,” said a statement from the South African Legion.

A formal welcome ceremony for all returning troops is expected to be held once the final group lands, likely at the end of June.

Source- EWN