What was meant to be a straightforward troop withdrawal from Goma has instead exposed a dangerous, unfolding crisis that highlights the potential military and diplomatic failures of South Africa’s efforts in the region.
Behind the official statement released by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on Monday, disturbing reports paint a vastly different picture.
The SANDF released a statement claiming that the withdrawal of their troops from Goma to Tanzania was “progressing as planned,” under the supervision of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
They assured the public that all soldiers were safe and well-supported and that there were no issues with personnel being stranded.
They went further to refute claims that the soldiers are still stranded. However, recent reports paint a very different picture.
Last month, reported that soldiers scheduled to return home were reportedly stranded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), unable to leave due to the closure of Goma International Airport—a move the DRC government justified by citing security threats linked to ongoing conflict and rebel activity.
This was followed by an outcry from the Democratic Alliance, which demanded that the Defence Ministry provide clear accountability.
A few days later, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga announced the official withdrawal plans, but subsequent reports revealed a stark contradiction: no transport was available to move the soldiers.
A crisis of credibility and transparency
The SANDF’s failure to provide timely, accurate updates has fueled suspicion among political parties and the public. Critics argue that the military’s silence appears deliberate, aimed at hiding the true extent of the crisis—possibly casualties, or even worse.
“When questions are asked, the responses are vague and evasive,” said political analyst Thabo Mokoena.
“The SANDF seems more interested in avoiding accountability than informing the nation of what’s happening.”
This opacity has led to mounting demands for transparency.
Are our troops trapped?
Last month, sources within the SANDF involved in the peacekeeping mission expressed deep concern.
They say that soldiers are “trapped” in Goma, unable to leave because of the airport closure—a move justified by the DRC government due to security threats, particularly from Rwandan-backed rebels, including the notorious M23 militia.
“The situation is dire,” one insider told us. “Our soldiers are living in conditions so poor that sanitation facilities have been non-functional for months.
“They’re relying on the very rebels they are meant to fight for water and supplies. It’s a humanitarian crisis in the making.”
When contacted for comment, the SANDF’s media liaison indicated at the time that inquiries regarding the stranded troops should be directed to SADC, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Our command bodies have advised that SADC is best suited to respond,” the statement read. “We will continue to engage with SADC for assistance.”
This response came even though earlier this year, 18 SADC soldiers—including 14 South Africans—were killed in clashes with M23 rebels.
The resulting summit in Harare led to the decision to terminate the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), citing worsening security and the need for a phased withdrawal.
A region on the brink
The crisis in Goma underscores broader regional failures. Despite deploying peacekeeping troops in December 2023 to assist the Congolese army, the mission struggled to meet its objectives amid intermittent bombardments and an increasingly hostile environment.
The situation in eastern DRC has become volatile, with key cities like Goma and Bukavu falling under rebel control, severely hindering humanitarian efforts.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has even offered part of his country’s mineral resources to the US government for security guarantees, highlighting the complex geopolitics at play.
The Rwandan factor
In February, SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya publicly stated that M23 fighters are “trained and backed by Rwanda,” a neighbouring country accused by the DRC, the UN, and the US of supporting the rebels.
The militia claims to defend the interests of the Tutsi minority in the DRC.
“The primary threat comes from a rebel group that is armed, supported, trained, and accompanied by the Rwandan Defence Force,” Maphwanya said.
“Our forces faced intermittent bombardments from M23 throughout 2024. On January 23, 2025, they launched a full-scale attack on our troops, aiming to take control of Sake and gain access to Goma.”
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