South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are stranded due to the ongoing closure of Goma International Airport. The shutdown follows violent clashes in January between M23 rebels and SANDF personnel, which resulted in fatalities, including 14 South Africans.
The DRC government has cited security risks and the presence of Rwandan-backed M23 forces as the reason for the airport’s continued closure. The situation has disrupted not only peacekeeping logistics but also regional trade, prompting objections from Rwanda.
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SANDF sources described deteriorating conditions in Goma, with soldiers forced to rely on M23-controlled sources for basic needs like water, and facing unsanitary conditions due to blocked access for waste management trucks. With little help from neighboring countries and limited support channels, the troops’ return home remains uncertain.
The SANDF has referred all inquiries to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), currently chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Earlier this year, SADC decided to terminate its DRC mission and begin a phased troop withdrawal, though implementation has stalled due to the worsening conflict.
Meanwhile, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has reportedly offered mining rights to the US in exchange for security support, adding another layer of complexity to the conflict. South African military leadership has reiterated that M23 is trained and backed by Rwanda, a claim supported by multiple international reports.
As the standoff continues, soldiers and their families remain in limbo, waiting for a resolution that would allow their safe return.
