# The South African National Defence Force says it has started the phased withdrawal of its personnel and equipment from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This follows a directive issued by the Southern African Development Community. Last month, SADC decided to end its deployment in the DRC after 17 soldiers died in the conflict launched by the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group. SANDF’s spokesperson, Prince Tshabalala, says the withdrawal will take place in phases:
SANDF begins phased withdrawal of soldiers from the DRC [SOUND]
ENG TshabalalaOnWithdrawalPlan