South African troops deployed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alongside the Congolese army (FARDC) to fight the M23 rebel group are set to return home through Rwanda.
South Africa had sent over 2,900 soldiers as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) military mission (SAMIRDC), alongside troops from Malawi and Tanzania. They joined forces with Burundian troops, FARDC, Wazalendo militias, and European mercenaries, but suffered heavy defeats at the hands of the M23. The rebel group seized Goma, encircling the remaining South African troops.
The withdrawal comes after the South African Parliament pressured President Cyril Ramaphosa to bring the troops back, citing unnecessary casualties in a conflict driven by private interests. The South African forces lost 14 soldiers, and their exit was complicated by the damage to Goma’s Airport.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanhyuka confirmed that the group had agreed to let the South African troops leave through Rwanda. “We have repeatedly stated that they are free to leave. Goma’s airport is unusable due to extensive shelling. We informed them that they could return home via Rwanda.”
Reports indicate that 189 injured South African soldiers, including five in critical condition and two pregnant women, will cross the Rwandan border on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. These troops were first deployed in late 2023.
South African MP Carl Niehaus previously criticized Rwanda for refusing to allow the repatriation of soldiers’ bodies, calling it an insult. “President Kagame granted South Africa permission to use Rwanda as an exit route, but the South African government viewed it as disrespectful and declined the offer.”
Parliamentarians have accused President Ramaphosa of deploying troops to eastern DRC to serve his personal interests, alleging that his family and close associates in the mining sector were seeking access to the region’s vast mineral wealth.
Critics have also questioned why, out of the 15 SADC member states, only three nations—South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania—contributed troops, while others opted out.
