By Johnathan Paoli
The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the arrival of the mortal remains of 14 soldiers killed in Goma, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at the United Nations’ base in Entebbe, Uganda.
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini stated that the process of returning the deceased to the country would begin as soon as possible.
“It is anticipated that all necessary procedures will be completed by no later than Tuesday,” Dlamini said in a statement.
The spokesperson previously confirmed that the UN-led process was initially expected to return the 14 fallen soldiers last week Wednesday, but encountered further delays following challenges in retrieving the bodies from the war-torn city.
This comes on the heels of a summit, which saw members from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community come together to discuss a ceasefire within five days.
The summit called for an opening of humanitarian corridors in order to evacuate the dead and injured.
Dlamini said that further updates would be communicated in the following days.
The National Assembly is scheduled to hold an urgent debate on Monday on the challenges South African troops are facing in the DRC.
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