By Johnathan Paoli
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the return of the bodies of 14 soldiers who died in recent conflict in the city of Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is currently underway.
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said that following delays that were encountered in the movement of the deceased to United Nations logistics base in Entebbe, Uganda, the UN conducted movement was in progress.
“It is expected that by (the afternoon), they will arrive in Entebbe and the bodies will be prepared for transportation by air to South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania,” Dlamini said.
A total of 18 bodies are reportedly being repatriated to South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania.
SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya originally told the Joint Committee on Defence and Military Veterans on Tuesday that the deceased, along with other wounded soldiers were expected to be returned by Wednesday.
However, in a statement on Thursday, the SANDF confirmed that while the South African armed forces had completed their processes, the repatriation had been delayed by the United Nations.
Reports emerged that the delay was as a result of access difficulties in Goma, which remains under the control of Congolese rebel group M23.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday evening, announced his decision to fly the national flag at half-mast for a week, to honour and mourn the country’s fallen heroes.
Ramaphosa will participate in a summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania this weekend that will see the eight member East African Community and the 16-member Southern African Development Community come together in order to find solutions to the conflict in the region.
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