SANDF's Potential Withdrawal From DRC Conflict: What You Need To Know

Holifil

31 Mar, 2025

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is currently discussing the possibility of withdrawing its troops from the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
SANDF soldiers are stationed in the eastern regions of the DRC on a peacekeeping mission, where they are caught in the crossfire between the DRC government forces and M23 rebels.
According to SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini, discussions about troop withdrawal are political and involve regional stakeholders.

Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned journalist with Briefly News, has extensively covered international and local social issues, including health, corruption, education, unemployment, labor disputes, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa. His seven-year tenure at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News showcases his dedication to uncovering the truth.

The SANDF remains tight-lipped about potential withdrawal plans. Image: Rajesh Jantital/ AFP via Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG — The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has made it clear that they will not comment on whether or not they plan to withdraw from the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This comes after the M23 rebels claimed the lives of nine SANDF soldiers. The situation in the DRC remains tense and complicated, with SANDF troops caught in the middle of the conflict.

Is the SANDF seriously considering pulling out?

Read also:
A Hilarious Encounter When A Cow Crashed A Womans Office

Reports from SABC News indicate that Kenya’s President William Ruto has invited the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC to discuss the ongoing regional conflict. The SANDF has suffered significant losses this year, with 13 soldiers losing their lives in the crossfire between the DRC military and the M23 rebels. As the situation escalates, many are wondering if the SANDF will indeed pull out of the conflict zone.

What’s Being Said by the Government

Rumors have been swirling about the possibility of SANDF troops returning home. This speculation gained momentum after political figures, including Julius Malema, president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), publicly called for the military to withdraw. SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini clarified that discussions regarding troop withdrawal are ongoing but are primarily political in nature. He emphasized that consultations are happening between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to find a resolution to the conflict.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently reached out to Kenyan President William Ruto to explore potential solutions to the crisis. According to Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, the decision to withdraw from the DRC is not solely South Africa’s to make. It involves regional cooperation and consensus among stakeholders.

The SANDF cannot unilaterally decide to withdraw troops from the DRC. Image: Rajesh Jantilal/ AFP via Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

Key Facts About the DRC Conflict

Deployment Details

In February 2024, President Ramaphosa deployed 2,900 SANDF soldiers to support the DRC as part of a peacekeeping mission led by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Just months later, in June, two SANDF soldiers were tragically killed during a mortar attack on a SANDF base, underscoring the dangers faced by troops on the ground.
Recently, the SANDF acknowledged that they are under-resourced, which has hampered their ability to provide effective military support in the region.

SANDF Denies Surrendering to M23

In a recent article by Briefly News, the SANDF denied allegations that its soldiers had surrendered to the M23 rebels. This denial came after a viral video surfaced showing SANDF soldiers waving a white flag. The SANDF explained that the white flag was used to establish a temporary ceasefire, allowing the M23 rebels to recover their dead. Many South Africans have voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for SANDF troops to be brought home from the conflict zone.

The situation in the DRC remains volatile, and the SANDF continues to navigate the complexities of peacekeeping in a war-torn region. As discussions around troop withdrawal continue, the focus remains on finding a lasting solution to the conflict.