Ramaphosa Honors 14 Fallen South African Peacekeepers Repatriated from DRC

South Africa has welcomed home the remains of 14 peacekeepers who lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A solemn ceremony was held at the Air Force Base in Pretoria on Thursday to honor their bravery and sacrifice.

President Cyril Ramaphosa led the tribute, commending the soldiers for their courage and dedication to peacekeeping missions. “They answered the call to serve across the continent and beyond with unwavering bravery. As a nation, we take immense pride in our fallen heroes. Bringing them home is our solemn duty,” he stated.

The soldiers were killed last month amid clashes between the DRC army and M23 rebels, underscoring the immense risks peacekeepers face in conflict zones.

Ramaphosa further highlighted the critical role these soldiers played in the DRC. “South Africa regards them as national heroes. Their mission went beyond maintaining order—it was about fostering peace, building bridges, and paving the way for long-term stability in the region and across the continent,” he emphasized.

During the ceremony, Air Force personnel respectfully carried the flag-draped coffins, which were then handed over to grieving families who gathered to honor their loved ones.

This solemn tribute serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by peacekeepers and reinforces South Africa’s unwavering commitment to peace efforts in Africa and beyond.