Repatriation of SA soldiers from the DRC delayed
The repatriation of 14 South African soldiers who were killed during a conflict with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been delayed.
The mortal remains of the soldiers were expected to be repatriated on Wednesday, 5 February 2025.
This was revealed by South African National Defence Force [SANDF] Major-General Rudzani Maphwanya who appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Tuesday.
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The SANDF is part of 16 forces involved in a peacekeeping mission. They were deployed to the region as part of both the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo [SAMIDRC] and The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [MONUSCO].
WHY THE REPATRIATION OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN SOLDIERS IN THE DRC HAS BEEN DELAYED
The SANDF explained that all formal processes on their side had been completed. However, the repatriation of the deceased out of the combat zone has been delayed.
“As stated by the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and Military Veterans that the remains of our fallen members and those injured in Goma will be repatriated on Wednesday, 05 February 2025.
“All administrative processes were completed and handed over to the United Nations.The United Nations planned movement for the repatriation of the deceased out of the combat zone has been delayed,” they said in a statement.
