Motshekga gives update on return of SA troops as DRC ceasefire negotiations progress

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga on Saturday gave an update on when South Africa’s soldiers will return home from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Motshekga was speaking at the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) exhibition at the Rand Show in Johannesburg.

Return of SA’s soldiers depends on ceasefire negotiations

She said bringing South Africa’s troops back depends on the progress of ceasefire negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 rebels.

“We are working on the logistics on how to bring them home safely. Every time I meet with the generals, I’m updated on how far we are, our containers, the flights that must bring them back. The plan is underway,” said Motshekga.

The defence minister also said plans on the SANDF evacuation need to be finalised.

“We will announce the return date soon, but we must also fix the Goma Airport and decide whether to use the road through Uganda or Rwanda, but there is an agreement that they will come back home.”

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Talks in DRC progressing

Speaking to the SABC, the SANDF’s Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala said the return of the South African soldiers is dependent on the progress of the ceasefire negotiations.

“Our chief is actively involved through the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Forces for both SADC and the East African community. We hope his efforts will bear fruit,” Tshabalala said. 

Motshekga said it is the first time that the DRC government and the M23 rebels have agreed to talk.

She suggested that the deaths of the South African soldiers who were part of the SADC mission in the DRC played a part in the two sides deciding to sit around the negotiating table.

“Unfortunately, it took such a high toll on our [troops]. For a long time, the DRC government was unwilling to speak to M23.

“We’ve said all along as the ANC, as the South African government, that the resolution to this conflict is negotiations… and they were just unable to engage with each other.”

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