South African soldiers cannot return home from their peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo because Goma International Airport is closed. SANDF sources told IOL the troops remain stuck with no clear timeline for their departure. The DRC government banned airport operations earlier this month over security worries about M23/AFC/RDF forces nearby. This decision complicates recent agreements between the Southern African Development Community and M23 about fixing and reopening the airport facilities.
Rwanda expressed anger about the closure since it prevents businesspeople and officials from traveling to the Great Lakes region, hurting trade. DRC officials insist only they can authorize the airport reopening. They justified shutting it down in February because M23/AFC/RDF forces violated their territory. The situation worsened when Rwandan Army forces appeared near the airport, according to sources. Congo officials claim UN Security Council Resolution 2773 supports their position until Rwandan troops leave.
Living conditions around Goma have become terrible for the stranded soldiers. Sanitation systems stopped working two months ago because waste trucks cannot reach the area. South African troops must ask M23 for the water they need for drinking and bathing. This arrangement raises serious questions about the health and safety of these peacekeepers during their extended stay.
Rwanda expressed anger about the closure since it prevents businesspeople and officials from traveling to the Great Lakes region, hurting trade. DRC officials insist only they can authorize the airport reopening. They justified shutting it down in February because M23/AFC/RDF forces violated their territory. The situation worsened when Rwandan Army forces appeared near the airport, according to sources. Congo officials claim UN Security Council Resolution 2773 supports their position until Rwandan troops leave.
Living conditions around Goma have become terrible for the stranded soldiers. Sanitation systems stopped working two months ago because waste trucks cannot reach the area. South African troops must ask M23 for the water they need for drinking and bathing. This arrangement raises serious questions about the health and safety of these peacekeepers during their extended stay.
