Cape Town – Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has provided an update on the return of South African soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), saying that their withdrawal depends on the progress of ceasefire negotiations between the DRC government and M23 rebels.
Speaking at the SANDF exhibition at the Rand Show in Johannesburg on Sunday, she said logistics for a safe return are underway, but final plans, including airport repairs and route decisions, still need to be completed.
“We are working on the logistics on how to bring them home safely. Every time I meet with the generals, I’m updated on our containers, the flights that must bring them back. The plan is under way. We will announce the return date soon but we must also fix the Goma Airport or use alternate routes via Uganda or Rwanda,” SABC News quoted the minister as saying.
Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala confirmed that regional defence leaders are involved in the process.
Motshekga noted it’s the first time both sides have agreed to talks, possibly influenced by recent casualties among South African troops, The Citizen reported.
“Unfortunately, it took such a high toll on our [troops]. For a long time, the DRC government was unwilling to speak to M23.
#SAArmy Article || Thrilled Rand shows attendees flock to the SA Army Engineers Display || Rand Show 2025.https://t.co/ksFuFvwYLR#SANDF#SAArmy#SAArmyEngineerFormation#PrideOfLions#RandShow2025 pic.twitter.com/YHWqpoKUNQ
— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) April 20, 2025
“We’ve said all along as the ANC, as the South African government, that the resolution to this conflict is negotiations… and they were just unable to engage with each other.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
