Stranded SANDF troops may be forced to evacuate from DRC by land

SOUTH African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops stationed in Goma may soon be forced to evacuate the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by land, leaving all military assets behind.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

This comes after the closure of Goma International Airport due to escalating conflict in the region.

The SANDF troops were deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

Concerns intensified following the deaths of 18 SADC troops - 14 of whom were South African - during clashes with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.

The M23's capture of key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, has severely disrupted humanitarian efforts and heightened the urgency for troop withdrawal. In response to the deteriorating situation, an extraordinary SADC summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, last month terminated SAMIDRC'S mandate. The planned return of the troops has now, however, become complicated. During the confrontation with the SADC troops, M23 rebels reportedly captured Goma International Airport, the primary entry point for the soldiers and their military equipment.