South Sudan troops deployed to DR Congo returns

JUBA – A contingent of 301 South Sudanese peacekeepers has returned home following their mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking the conclusion of their deployment.

Speaking to Sudans Post this afternoon, army spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang confirmed that the forces arrived back in three flights, with two flights landing earlier in the morning, and the final one expected around 2:00 PM local time.

“The forces returned this morning. They are being transported in three flights,” said Lul. “The first flight arrived at around 4:00 AM, the second one arrived at around 11:00 AM, and the third one will arrive at around 2:00 PM. By the end of the day, a total of 301 will have arrived in the country.”

Lul emphasized that the initially designated battalion meant for deployment to the DR Congo was not fully deployed.

Instead, only a contingent comprised of 301 personnel was sent.

“Only 301 went, and it was then downsized from battalion to contingent,” Kong added. “And by their return today, it marks the end of our peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

 

The eight-nation East African Community (EAC) first deployed troops to the strife-torn region in November 2022, responding to an invitation from DRC authorities to reclaim territories captured by the resurgent M23 rebel group.

However, the continuation of the deployment faced uncertainty after President Felix Tshisekedi and local residents accused the force of cohabiting with rebels rather than compelling them to disarm.

Recently, the EAC announced that the Democratic Republic of Congo, as a member of the bloc, decided not to extend the force’s mandate beyond December 8.

This decision raises questions about the future involvement of peacekeeping efforts in the region.