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South Africa’s Goma Exit Sparks Security and Humanitarian Alarm

Published

3 months ago

May 20, 2025

taryn

What should have been a routine military withdrawal has turned into a crisis, raising serious concerns over South Africa’s role and effectiveness in peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Despite assurances from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) that the process is proceeding smoothly, insiders and recent reports suggest a troubling situation on the ground — with allegations of stranded soldiers, deteriorating living conditions, and a lack of clear communication.

On Monday, the SANDF claimed that the withdrawal of troops from Goma to Tanzania was going “according to plan” under the oversight of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The official statement added that all personnel were accounted for and fully supported.

However, this narrative contrasts sharply with earlier reports that SANDF troops had been stuck in Goma due to the closure of Goma International Airport. The DRC government had reportedly shut the airport down citing rebel threats and ongoing conflict in the region.

Read More: SANDF starts pulling troops out of DRC after SADC order

In response to the mounting concerns, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga presented a withdrawal plan in Parliament, but subsequent developments revealed that no logistics or transport had been secured to extract troops, confirming fears of disorganisation.

Pressure mounts on SANDF for answers

The Democratic Alliance has demanded transparency from the Defence Ministry, accusing officials of withholding vital information from the public. Political analyst Thabo Mokoena criticised the SANDF’s response, calling it “deliberately vague” and “evasive.”

“There’s clearly something the Defence Force isn’t telling us,” said Mokoena. “When citizens demand answers, it’s their duty to provide them. Instead, we get silence.”

Concerns have grown that the lack of updates could be masking deeper problems, including casualties or severe humanitarian issues faced by the soldiers.

Soldiers reportedly trapped, relying on rebels for aid

Internal sources within the SANDF have painted a bleak picture of the current state of troops still stationed in Goma. With the airport shut and no clear evacuation plan in place, soldiers are said to be stuck in poor conditions with no access to basic sanitation.

One source revealed that SANDF troops were even depending on supplies from M23 rebels, the very group they were deployed to combat.

“Our forces are exhausted, cut off, and in desperate need of proper logistics and medical support,” the insider claimed. “The situation is dire. Some are surviving only through negotiations with local armed groups.”

When asked for comment, SANDF officials redirected inquiries to SADC, stating that operational oversight falls under the regional body, currently chaired by Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

A troubled mission from the start

The peacekeeping mission, initiated in December 2023 under the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), has faced repeated setbacks. Eighteen SADC soldiers — including 14 South Africans — were killed in clashes with the Rwandan-backed M23 militia earlier this year.

Following the fatalities, a regional summit in Harare decided to dissolve the mission, citing increasing threats and the need for an organised, phased withdrawal of troops.

Goma crisis reflects wider instability in eastern DRC

Eastern DRC remains one of the continent’s most unstable regions, with rebel groups like M23 seizing control of key towns including Goma and Bukavu, disrupting humanitarian aid and local governance.

In a desperate plea for international backing, President Félix Tshisekedi has offered mineral concessions to the US in exchange for military support.

SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya previously confirmed that M23 rebels were being aided by the Rwandan Defence Force, a claim backed by the UN and US.

“Our soldiers have faced targeted bombardments, ambushes, and coordinated attacks from a well-trained militia,” Maphwanya said in February. “On January 23, M23 launched a full assault on our position, aiming to overrun Sake and advance into Goma.”

The unfolding withdrawal chaos and ongoing fighting raise urgent questions about South Africa’s capacity to carry out peacekeeping missions in volatile regions — and the transparency of its military leadership.