Another phased withdrawal process is underway to bring South African troops back home, following fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The first group of soldiers has already departed.

The withdrawal process began last week, and the first group having arrived at one of the checkpoints in Tanzania.

They travelled by road from Goma, through Rwanda to Tanzania, and will be transported to their respective countries from there. This will be the process to repatriate the remaining soldiers in the DRC.

More than 50 soldiers are said to have been a part of the group that is already on their way home. 13 trucks carrying weapons and equipment are making the journey as well.

30 of the soldiers, who are part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC, are South Africans. They are said to be part of between 2,000 and 3,000 soldiers on that mission.

The entire withdrawal process is expected to be finalised by the end of May.

During a briefing on Sunday, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and SANDF chief General Rudzani Maphwanya maintained that the withdrawal of the troops was not a show of failure. Instead, they noted, it followed efforts to ensure peace in the region.

“The withdrawal of the South African National Defence Force from the eastern DRC marks a very important new chapter in our regional peacekeeping efforts,” said Motshekga.

The decision to withdraw follows an Extraordinary Summit of SADC state heads in March.

“The team’s findings informed the finalisation of the withdrawal plan. This plan will ensure the safe and efficient return of personnel and assets,” read the statement by the South African National Defence Force.

Motshekga further noted that a peace agreement had been signed between the M23 rebels and the DRC government. She said the SADC, African Union and the role-players were part of this process.

“This agreement includes a commitment to cease hostilities, disarmament, reintegration of former combatants and the protection of civilians,” said Motshekga.

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This article has been updated to include additional information.