Bloemfontein, South Africa – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has dismissed concerns over weapons allegedly not returned by soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stating that the majority of equipment is being transported back in a phased process.
Lieutenant General Siphiwe Sangweni, Chief of Joint Operations, confirmed that 80% of SANDF weapons and equipment have already been moved to Tanzania and will take months to fully repatriate. The arms were relocated when troops withdrew from Goma to Tanzania as part of the mission’s drawdown.
The fourth group of SANDF members returning from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission is expected to arrive at Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. This follows the return of the third group of 248 soldiers on Sunday, who are undergoing a three-day demobilization process at the Tempe Military Base.
Structured Demobilization Process
The returning troops undergo a structured reintegration program, including psychosocial support, intelligence debriefings, and medical evaluations before reuniting with their families.
“The first day involves psychosocial interviews with chaplains and social workers,” explained SANDF officials. “The second day focuses on personnel and intelligence debriefings, and by the third day, they are cleared to leave.”
Phased Withdrawal Nears Completion
The SANDF’s withdrawal from the DRC follows a ceasefire agreement between M23 rebels and the DRC military. The phased repatriation is expected to conclude by June 25.
General Sangweni emphasized that the delayed return of weapons does not indicate negligence, as large-scale military equipment requires coordinated logistical transport. “The weapons and equipment are coming back, but soldiers are not personally carrying them,” he said.
As the mission winds down, the SANDF assures the public that all assets will be accounted for in due course.