The third group of soldiers returning from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has landed at Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein in the Free State.

South Africa lost 14 soldiers as M23 rebels advanced on the city of Goma in the eastern DRC. South Africa is withdrawing its troops from the eastern Congo following a decision by the joint SADeC and East African Community summit to allow peace talks to resume in the DRC.

The 220 soldiers are returning home as part of a phased withdrawal from the mission area.

The SANDF’s Major Thabo Sello says upon their return, the troops will undergo the standard demobilisation programme, which includes health screenings, psychological support, and reunification services.

On Tuesday, the fourth group will also land at Bram Fischer.

The first group of 249 arrived on Friday from Tanzania, as it has been used as an assembly point, and the second group of soldiers – this time 257 troops – arrived at the Waterkloof Airforce Base in Pretoria on Sunday. The arrival of these soldiers was delayed by several weeks due to logistical challenges.

Monday, 16 June 2025 || SANDF troops arrived at Bram Fisher International Airport.#WelcomeHomeSASoldiers#DRC pic.twitter.com/fEPHMWpVB9

— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) June 16, 2025

VIDEO | SANDF troops return from DRC