SSPDF soldiers set for a peacekeeping mission in the eastern DRC. (Photo: File).

The over 700 SSPDF soldiers who left Juba for a regional peace-keeping mission are having their travel documents processed, before crossing to the Democratic Republic of Congo through Mundri in Western Equatoria State, says army official.

Army Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang says the peacekeeping soldiers are currently in Mundri town, where they are processing their travel documents before crossing the border.

“Yes, they are currently in Mundri East County, they are first processing their documents. They will be airlifted to Goma in Eastern DR. Congo after obtaining documents,” Lul told Eye Radio.

“From there the arrangements will be made. Of course they going to Congo but they have to process their documents before they leave, am not sure about the routing.”

Last month, army officials told Eye Radio in Bilpam that the soldiers would be airlifted to the rebel-infested east of DR Congo.

The SSPDF officers comprising military police, military intelligence, signal corps, logistics, and infantry, are to part of the East Africa regional task force to fight against the March 23rd rebel group.

Fighting has been raging east of the DR. Congo as the M23 rebel group makes territorial advances, sending tens of thousands of people from their homes.

The M23 rose to prominence in 2012 when it captured the main eastern city of Goma, before being driven out and going to ground.

But it re-emerged late last year, claiming Kinshasa had failed to honor a pledge to integrate its fighters into the army, among other grievances.

Burundi and Kenya have sent their troops and Uganda is expected to deploy its soldiers in the coming weeks.

South Sudan has sent its staffing officers ahead of its soldiers’ deployment.