The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has firmly denied recent media claims suggesting that its troops withdrawing from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are uninformed about their travel arrangements and will be unarmed during transit through Rwanda.
Over the weekend, City Press reported that SANDF members are stranded in the DRC with no clarity on their departure timeline. The article further alleged that troops would be transported unarmed through Rwanda, a country reportedly aligned with the M23 rebel group, potentially compromising their safety.
In response, the SANDF criticised the report as inaccurate and misleading. According to SANDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala, the publication relied on unverified information and lacked credible sourcing. He emphasised that such reporting not only spreads panic but also risks undermining the safety of the troops and the integrity of the withdrawal operation.
The SANDF clarified that the journalist behind the article did not consult the Defence Force to confirm the allegations, particularly the claim that soldiers would be disarmed en route to Tanzania via Rwanda. The statement pointed out the absence of named sources and a general misunderstanding of how military logistics are handled during international deployments.
Tshabalala reaffirmed that all troop movements are being carried out under established protocols and agreements between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the partner nations involved in the process. He dismissed the idea of unarmed transit as unfounded and contrary to standard operational procedures.
He also urged media outlets to act responsibly when covering sensitive military operations, especially during active withdrawal phases, to avoid putting personnel at further risk.
The SANDF began its withdrawal from the eastern DRC on April 29, 2025. The operation involves a phased exit throughout May, with troops travelling primarily by road to Tanzania, and some personnel being transported by air and sea. Most logistical equipment will be shipped by sea from Dar Es Salaam to South Africa.
Facebook Comments