The second phase of the SADC (SAMIDRC) military withdrawal from eastern DRC continued under cover of night, and with zero fanfare.
Over the weekend, SAMIDRC forces slipped through Rwanda, returning home in shame, a far cry from their grand entrance into Goma only months ago.
The soldiers boarded flights back to their countries, while their military hardware is being shipped back by sea.
Once hailed by the Kinshasa regime and its allies as “a force ready to bring peace and stability”, the SADC troops found themselves outmaneuvered and ultimately humiliated by the very rebels they had come to confront – the M23 movement. Ironically, their exit was made possible by Rwanda, which the SADC forces were in agreement with Tshisekedi to destabilize.
They came shouting like action movie characters – “apigwe kunguru apigwe!”
Now they’re sneaking back at night like they forgot something at home, quiet, confused, and full of regrets.
South Africa’s Chief of Defence, General Rudzani Mapwanya tried to spin the retreat as “a strategic move”, rather than the defeat it so obviously is. “Our withdrawal is not a sign of weakness,” Mapwanya claimed like a good propagandist.
Everyone knows how the M23 routed them.
Everyone saw how South African troops waved a white flag. Their men were kept encircled as POWs. They attempted two extractions, both foiled by the M23, who somehow knew in advance.
This is why Mapwanya’s words are so laughable.
The war toll on SAMDRC was heavy.
Over 200 SADC soldiers are reportedly missing in the DRC. Some body bags have already been sent home quietly. Others remain unaccounted for, with ongoing negotiations between SADC and M23 for their repatriation.
One of the most glaring failures is the secrecy surrounding the deployment. The South African government has consistently refused to disclose how many SANDF troops were sent into the DRC. Even during the withdrawal briefing, officials dodged the question, citing “security concerns.”
This mission was not just a military failure it was a strategic and moral collapse.
Have they learnt their lesson, never again to meddle into the affairs of people fighting for their rights?
Only time will tell.
ellenkampire