The remains of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who died in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last month have finally been sent to their countries. Their remains have arrived in South Africa and will be released to their families on Thursday evening.
The soldiers were killed in intense fighting with the M23 rebel group in the Goma region of North Kivu province between January 23 and 27. The fighting resulted in the rebels capturing both Sake and Goma, with heavy casualties on both sides.
South African Soldiers in Peacekeeping Missions
The fallen soldiers were deployed as part of the “Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC)”, a regional peacekeeping initiative aimed at stabilising the conflict-hit country. They were also serving under the “United Nations peace enforcement mission (MONUSCO)” in the region.
Following their deaths, logistical delays, including medical procedures in Uganda, delayed their repatriation. The United Nations oversaw the transport of the remains, which were transported by road to Entebbe before being flown to South Africa on Wednesday evening by a Tanzanian Air Force Y-8 transport aircraft.
The remains of 14 SANDF personnel were also repatriated, as well as four Malawian and Tanzanian soldiers who died during the same conflict.
Memorial Ceremony and Troop Reinforcement
A formal handover ceremony for the soldiers will take place at 18:00 at the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing in Centurion, followed by a memorial service at 7 pm.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that South Africa has strengthened its military presence in the DRC with several Il-76 transport aircraft flying from Pretoria. Around 800 additional troops are planned to have been deployed.
South Africa currently has more than 2,000 troops in the DRC as part of the MONUSCO and SAMIDRC missions.
Challenges in the DRC Conflict
M23 rebels reportedly allowed the repatriation of the soldiers’ remains despite Goma Airport being closed as they continue to control the area.
The situation in the DR Congo remains volatile and South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts continues amid increasing regional instability.