The third group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers is set to land at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria on Monday, continuing the phased return of forces previously deployed to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their return comes as part of a broader regional effort to end foreign military involvement in the area and open the way for peaceful dialogue.
These troops were deployed as part of a multinational peacekeeping mission under the mandates of both the United Nations and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). However, amid ongoing political and security realignments in the region, the deployment has come to an end, prompting the organised withdrawal of SANDF personnel.
Major-General Godfrey Thulare of the SANDF provided an overview of the demobilisation plan, emphasizing the military’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for returning personnel. He noted that after their arrival, troops would be allowed time to rest before undergoing a structured three-day demobilisation programme.
“Our aim is to give them the necessary space to recuperate and then guide them through the demobilisation process, which is consistent for every group,” said Thulare. “Ultimately, we want each soldier to return to their home communities fully prepared for reintegration, both socially and psychologically.”
Meanwhile, 249 SANDF troops who arrived in South Africa last Friday have already completed their demobilisation at the Tempe military base in Bloemfontein. They are expected to return to their respective base camps by Monday.
During the arrival of the second group at Waterkloof, SANDF Chief General Rhudzani Maphwanya addressed the media, reflecting on the complexities involved in concluding such a large-scale deployment. He stressed the collaborative nature of the withdrawal and highlighted the coordination between military leadership and political figures across the SADC region.
“This has not been a simple process,” Maphwanya acknowledged. “It has taken significant cooperation at multiple levels. As commanders, we’ve been meeting frequently to monitor developments and ensure the safe return of our troops.”
He went on to reveal that extensive discussions were held with key stakeholders in the DRC, including the M23 rebel group. These talks, Maphwanya explained, paved the way for a broader agreement to withdraw foreign forces from the region — a step viewed as essential to creating the conditions necessary for sustainable peace negotiations.
The return of SANDF forces signals a significant shift in the peacekeeping landscape of the DRC, where instability has persisted for decades. With the departure of foreign troops, hopes are rising for a renewed commitment to homegrown solutions and political dialogue aimed at resolving longstanding conflict in the region.