SADC pulls out, families prepare for emotional reunions, and the scars of battle remain

It’s a quiet Friday morning in Bloemfontein, but at Air Force Base Bloemspruit, anticipation runs high. Around midday, the first group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are set to touch down — greeted by Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and the top brass of the military command.

These aren’t just soldiers returning from a posting. They’re men and women who’ve spent the better part of the last six months in the thick of one of Africa’s most complex and dangerous conflicts. And their homecoming is marked not just by pride, but by grief, political tension, and the growing sense that South Africa’s role in the DRC is being redefined.

A Deployment Marked by Violence and Loss

The troops were part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC, deployed in December 2023 to help President Félix Tshisekedi’s government regain control of rebel-plagued regions in the east — particularly in North Kivu, where the M23 rebels have been making gains.

South Africans first took real notice of the mission after tragedy struck in February. Fourteen SANDF soldiers were killed during a brutal offensive that saw M23 rebels take Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Their bodies were returned home in flag-draped coffins, and for the first time in years, the public turned their attention to what had been a largely underreported deployment.

“This shouldn’t be our war,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter), capturing the widespread frustration. Others, however, praised the troops’ bravery and called for greater regional solidarity. The SANDF’s presence in the DRC has long been controversial, with past deployments under UN peacekeeping mandates criticized for lacking clarity and measurable outcomes.

The End of a Short-Lived SADC Mission

In March, SADC heads of state held an extraordinary summit albeit virtually and made a surprise announcement: the mission’s mandate was over. The phased withdrawal of troops would begin immediately.

By then, roughly 200 South African soldiers had already returned. The group arriving on Friday is one of the final rotations, signalling that South Africa’s boots-on-the-ground role in the DRC for now is winding down.

Critics argue that the early termination leaves the DRC exposed just as the conflict intensifies. Others suggest it reflects broader fatigue within SADC and a reassessment of how regional peacekeeping missions are structured and supported.

What’s Next for SANDF and the DRC?

It’s unclear whether South Africa will continue to support Kinshasa through non-combat channels, training, intelligence sharing, or humanitarian aid. What is clear, however, is that this mission has left deep impressions on the troops involved.

For many of the soldiers arriving today, reintegration into civilian life or base duties will come with both relief and mental scars. Some will return to families mourning comrades lost in battle; others will quietly carry trauma that doesn’t make headlines.

The Defence Ministry has said little about counselling or reintegration support, something veterans’ groups have repeatedly raised concerns about. After years of SANDF involvement in African conflicts, from the Central African Republic to Mozambique, the conversation around mental health and post-deployment care remains limited.

A Moment to Reflect and Rethink

Today’s homecoming at Bloemspruit is a symbolic moment. It’s a nod to the bravery of South African troops, a sombre reminder of what was lost, and a prompt for deeper national reflection.

What role should South Africa play in regional conflicts? How do we balance solidarity with sovereignty? And when our soldiers go to war, are we as a country giving them the clarity, support, and honour they deserve?

{Source: Times Live}

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