Concerns raised about ‘disorganised’ withdrawal of SA troops from DRC

The withdrawal of South African troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been marred by some controversy, with the DA complaining about an alleged lack of planning.

Reports suggest that soldiers from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania have started moving by road to Tanzania.

The soldiers are part of the SADC mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

The DA has been calling for the troops to return home from the DRC since the death of 14 South African soldiers.

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SANDF’s ‘disorganised’ exit from the DRC

However, Chris Hattingh, the party’s spokesperson on defence and military veterans, has described the current withdrawal of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as “disorganised”.

“Poor planning, vague objectives and a disturbing lack of transparency have marred the withdrawal of our troops from eastern DRC.

“What should have been a coordinated and strategic exit has instead become a confused and dangerous process, placing our soldiers at risk and leaving the nation with more questions than answers,” he said.

Hattingh said South African troops have had to negotiate with M23 rebels for safe passage out of Goma.

“Alarming accounts suggest that M23 rebels – widely believed to be backed by Rwanda – are inspecting SANDF military equipment as the convoys pass.

“Members of the elite quick reaction force (QRF) have described this experience as both frustrating and humiliating,” he said.

The Citizen understands that the soldiers will move in groups, with the final meeting point set to be in Tanzania.

Poor communication on troop withdrawal

Meanwhile, Hattingh said SA soldiers continue to report logistical failures, poor communication and uncertainty about the status of military vehicles and heavy weaponry.

“There has been no official communication from the Department of Defence, SANDF or SADC. It has instead emerged that safe passage for our troops had to be negotiated with Rwanda after M23 seized control of vital infrastructure,” he said.

Hattingh said the DA would ask Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga questions about the mission when she appears before the Portfolio Committee on Defence on 9 May.

He called on Motshekga to tell the nation what the terms and scope of the SANDF’s deployment were.

He also wants to know the cause of the alleged operational failures that led to the current “disorganised” withdrawal.

There are also concerns about safety of remaining personnel and equipment in the DRC.

“Fourteen South African soldiers lost their lives in the battle for Goma. The lack of accountability since then is unacceptable,” Hattingh said.

The Citizen contacted the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans for comment on the matter, which will be added once received.

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