Repatriation of 14 SA soldiers killed in DRC underway

JOHANNESBURG - Pretoria is preparing to receive the bodies of 14 South African soldiers killed while on a peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  

The fallen troops were part of a multinational Southern African Development Community (SADC) force deployed to stabilise the region amid ongoing clashes between the DRC military and M23 rebels.  

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Their deaths have raised questions about the mission’s effectiveness and the safety of troops operating in the war-torn area.  

Rebels advanced into Goma and surrounding areas, escalating an already volatile conflict.  

Last week, the Defence Department faced questions in Parliament about the deployment. It insisted that the force remains fully equipped and capable of maintaining peace. 

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Security risks and rising tensions in the DRC and neighbouring states delayed what should have been a one-day transfer into a three-day operation.

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini confirmed that the operation was moving ahead under United Nations (UN) supervision.

It is expected that on Saturday, the remains will arrive in Entebbe, in Uganda, before being transported by air to South Africa.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to travel to Tanzania for crucial talks with SADC and East African Community leaders as the region grapples with the escalating DRC crisis.