South African troops in the DRC are in dire need of return, facing food shortages and volatile conditions. Calls for withdrawal from military experts have intensified due to the lack of support and rising casualties among troops. The situation raises serious questions about mission objectives and soldier welfare under challenging circumstances.
South African soldiers on deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are reportedly in a dire predicament and are eager to return home. These troops, part of the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) stationed in Goma, are facing significant shortages of food and essential supplies. Concerned families and military organizations have highlighted the critical conditions that the soldiers are currently enduring, leading to increased pressure on the South African government to withdraw them from this hazardous environment.
The South African National Defence Union (Sandu) has communicated that the soldiers have expressed feelings of neglect from their government, indicating they are becoming increasingly vulnerable in a volatile situation. “They are not safe; the situation is too volatile,” stated Sandu National Secretary Pikkie Greeff. Furthermore, he articulated concerns regarding the troops being used as “bargaining chips” within larger geopolitical conflicts, as they remain encircled and extraction options seem grim.
Experts on defense and security have joined the call for withdrawal, questioning the legitimacy of the mission’s objectives in the conflict-ridden region. The South African troops, who are collaborating with the Congolese army against the M23 rebels, find themselves in a precarious position after the M23 captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The military setbacks have led to discussions of strategizing a departure while safeguarding the soldiers’ lives.
Recent events have intensified scrutiny, particularly after incidents in which 14 South African soldiers lost their lives, and approximately 200 others were injured in clashes with the M23. Reportedly, the soldiers requested assistance from military resources back home due to a lack of supplies. A defense analyst, John Supard, emphasized the need for South Africa to acknowledge the challenging reality and prioritize the safe extraction of its troops from the DRC.
In earlier communications, the country’s Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, had assured Parliament that South African troops were adequately equipped for their engagement. However, the ongoing situation has raised serious questions regarding military preparedness and the welfare of the soldiers on the ground. The calls for withdrawal are gaining momentum as the challenges faced by the South African contingent continue to mount.
In summary, South African soldiers stationed in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are in a pressing situation, facing shortages of food and support. Amidst growing calls for their withdrawal, military experts have expressed serious concerns regarding their safety and the mission’s effectiveness. The complexity of the situation, compounded by casualties and the volatile local conditions, demands immediate attention from South African authorities to ensure the safe return of their troops.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
