South African troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly in dire straits, facing food shortages and safety risks. They have expressed a strong desire to return home amid increasing calls from military experts for their withdrawal. The effectiveness of their mission has become questionable as they struggle against insurgents in a volatile environment.
South African troops currently deployed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo under the Southern African Development Community Mission are facing alarming conditions and have expressed a strong desire to return home. Reports indicate that over a thousand soldiers stationed in Goma are experiencing severe shortages of food and essential supplies, leading to widespread vulnerability within their ranks. The urgent situation is compounded by escalating calls from various sectors for the South African government to extract its troops from the conflict-ridden area, as their mission is perceived to have failed dismally.
Communication from the deployed soldiers has revealed an unsettling lack of support and direction from South African authorities. They report dire shortages of food and difficulty accessing necessary supplies. The South African National Defence Union (Sandu), which has been receiving distress signals from troops, revealed that the situation has become precarious, with many soldiers feeling unsafe in a rapidly deteriorating volatile environment. Sandu’s National Secretary, Pikkie Greeff, highlighted that the troops are now seen as bargaining chips in a broader geopolitical context, stranded amidst hostile forces.
Military experts have underscored the necessity for the withdrawal of South African forces from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Their mandate has become increasingly questionable in the midst of ongoing conflict involving multiple armed factions, including the M23 rebels. South African troops are supporting the Congolese military as they attempt to combat various insurgent groups, yet their effectiveness is hampered due to the overpowering strength of the rebels, who have seized critical territories including Goma and Bukavu.
Last week saw the repatriation of nearly 200 SAMIDRC soldiers who required medical attention following clashes with the M23 rebels, facilitated through Rwanda. The violent environment has compelled many troops, including mercenaries, to surrender, with some being granted safe passage back to their home countries. In response, Malawi’s president has officially ordered the withdrawal of his nation’s forces, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The South African troops’ predicament gained heightened attention after 14 soldiers lost their lives and close to 200 others sustained injuries during engagements with M23 rebels in late January. Recent communications from the SANDF troops have pointed to inadequate support from the South African command, indicating that soldiers are struggling with basic necessities. Notable defence expert John Supard articulates that South Africa should prioritize the extraction of its soldiers from eastern DR Congo, emphasizing the need for a decisive withdrawal should the situation worsen. South Africa’s Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga, previously asserted that troops were adequately equipped for their mission, including armor and ammunition, contradicting reports from the field.
In summary, South African troops deployed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo face critical shortages and escalating dangers, prompting urgent calls for their withdrawal. Communication reveals significant support deficiencies, heightening safety concerns among the soldiers. The context of their operations raises questions regarding the effectiveness of the mission and the need for a strategic reassessment by the South African government to safeguard their troops.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
