South African soldiers in DR Congo are in distress, facing food shortages and a lack of support. Over a thousand troops are reportedly running low on supplies amidst a volatile security situation. Calls from defense experts suggest a withdrawal due to the untenable conditions. Recent communication from troops indicates serious concerns over their safety and operational mandate.
South African soldiers stationed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly facing dire conditions and are eager to return home. According to media sources, over a thousand troops deployed under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) in Goma are running low on supplies and experiencing significant vulnerabilities. Communication from the soldiers indicates a lack of support from South African authorities, with their basic needs unfulfilled.
The South African National Defence Union (Sandu) has received distress messages from troops indicating they are in a precarious situation due to their exposure to violence and volatility in the region. National Secretary Pikkie Greeff expressed concern, stating, “They are not safe, the situation is too volatile.” He further remarked on the soldiers being treated as bargaining chips amid a complex international strategy surrounding their deployment.
Defense and security experts have urged the South African government to reconsider its military engagement in the conflict, deeming the mandate for deployment questionable. The South African troops are currently providing assistance to the Congolese army in their fight against the M23 rebels, who have seized control of Goma and other key areas in North and South Kivu. The context of this operation has been complicated by the involvement of various regional forces and armed groups.
Recent developments saw the repatriation of around 200 SAMIDRC soldiers requiring medical attention after safe passage was facilitated through Rwanda. Reports describe that South African troops are surrounded by M23 rebels while their camps in Goma and Sake face escalating threats. Additionally, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the withdrawal of his country’s military personnel from the region.
The perilous state of South African troops gained further attention after January’s incidents in which 14 soldiers were killed and nearly 200 wounded. Opinions from experts such as John Supard suggest the necessity for South Africa to prioritize the safety of its soldiers, advocating a withdrawal from the eastern DR Congo to protect its personnel. Defense Minister Angie Motshekga previously stated that troops were adequately equipped for their mission against the M23 rebels, despite evident shortages experienced on the ground.
The situation for South African troops deployed in eastern DR Congo has become increasingly perilous, prompting calls for withdrawal due to unsustainable conditions and inadequate support. The soldiers face food shortages and safety risks while engaging with powerful rebel factions. The safety of service members remains the priority, with expert recommendations urging the government to extract them promptly, acknowledging the inadequacy of the current military mission.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
