More SANDF troops return from DRC
A third group of South African National Defence Force troops is expected to arrive back in the country from the DRC today.
SANDF chief Ruzani Maphwanya welcomed a second group yesterday, while the first cohort arrived on Friday.
They were part of a SADC peacekeeping mission launched in 2023 to help stabilise the region amid ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebel group.
The bloc earlier this year decided to withdraw its forces after several soldiers, including 14 SANDF members, were killed during clashes.
READ: SANDU: Returning soldiers need long-term psychological care
Maphwanya praised the bravery and sacrifice of troops returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"I want you to understand that you are coming back and we are very proud of you.
Whoever says what they want to say, the fact remains that they are heroes. These are people who braved all the challenges that were there."
"These are the people whose comrades laid down their lives. There are stories of people complaining that you've been fighting inefficiently and it wasn't enough — as if they know what's enough."
