JOHANNESBURG, June 13 (Xinhua) -- A total of 249 South African soldiers are expected to return to home soil from the peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Friday, a senior government official said.
Angelina Motshekga, minister of defense and military veterans, briefed the media on Friday in Bloemfontein, South Africa, while waiting for the arrival of the soldiers.
The South African soldiers were deployed on Dec. 23, 2015, in the DRC to maintain peace with others from Malawi and Tanzania under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission. The eastern part of the DRC was attacked by the March 23 Movement rebels. In March this year, the SADC leaders resolved to withdraw the soldiers from the DRC.
"Today, we are delighted to announce to the people of South Africa that the first group of 249 South African troops who served on the vital missions are due to arrive on South African soil from Tanzania," said Motshekga.
"We are fully aware that half the work is done in terms of the prime mission equipment movement. Hence, we are working around the clock with our counterparts in the region to ensure that the process runs expeditiously with minimum logistical risks," she said.
The minister noted that all necessary logistical support will continue until the withdrawal is completed. The soldiers will undergo psychological sessions, return to their units and then be reunited with their families. ■
