South African Soldiers leave Lubumbashi and Kinshasa Over Unpaid Dues

South Africa has begun pulling back its military contingents stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with soldiers returning home from Lubumbashi, Kisangani, and Kinshasa. The withdrawal comes seven months after the deployment of additional forces meant to bolster the Congolese army following the fall of Goma to M23/AFC rebels earlier this year.

Initially, South Africa had dispatched hundreds of troops to Goma as reinforcements. However, their aircraft was unable to land after M23 forces shut down the airfield, forcing a diversion to Bujumbura, Burundi. In response, South African soldiers were redeployed to other strategic urban centers, including Lubumbashi, Kisangani, and Kinshasa, to protect them from potential rebel advances.

Now, those forces are leaving their positions. Sources close to the operation allege that one of the reasons behind the drawdown is a financial dispute, with Kinshasa reportedly failing to honor commitments regarding payments to the South African contingents.

The withdrawal comes at a delicate moment. Kinshasa has recently resumed major offensive operations against M23 positions, particularly in Walikale territory, as the conflict in eastern DRC shows no sign of abating.