South African soldiers in DR Congo are facing dire conditions, with increasing calls for their withdrawal as they struggle with food shortages and lack of support. The SAMIDRC mission’s failure has been emphasized, raising concerns about troop safety amidst ongoing violence from armed factions in the region.
South African soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) are reportedly facing severe challenges and are eager to return home. Over a thousand troops stationed in Goma have indicated through a broadcaster, eNCA, that they are running out of food and vital supplies, putting their safety at risk. This troubling development has led to increasing demands for the South African government to withdraw its forces from the region due to ongoing operational failures.
Communication from the deployed troops underscores a significant lack of support from South African authorities, with many expressing their distress over food shortages and inaccessible supplies. Pikkie Greeff, National Secretary of the South African National Defence Union (Sandu), mentioned, “The truth of the matter is, they are now bargaining chips in a greater scheme of things…there is no way of getting them out there to extract them especially in a military sense.”Authorities have been urged to reassess the continued presence of South African troops, as their mandate remains contested in this volatile environment.
As fighting continues in the region, South African troops are collaborating with other nations, including Tanzania and Malawi, as part of the SAMIDRC, to assist the Congolese army in combating M23 rebels. Despite their collective efforts, the situation remains precarious as M23 has managed to seize key locations such as Goma and Bukavu. The presence of various armed factions complicates the mission, raising concerns about the efficacy of their mandate.
Recent reports indicate that approximately 200 soldiers received medical evacuation through Rwanda, further illuminating the dire conditions faced by South African forces. The presence of hostile factions, including the genocidal FDLR and numerous militias, exacerbates the already dangerous scenario. With President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi announcing troop withdrawals, South Africa finds itself under pressure to reevaluate its own military commitments in the conflict.
The difficulties faced by South African soldiers have gained attention following incidents in January when 14 members lost their lives and nearly 200 sustained injuries. Defence expert John Supard has suggested that South Africa should accept the current state of affairs, prioritizing the safe extraction of its forces. Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga previously assured lawmakers that troops had adequate equipment, but the situation on the ground suggests a mismatch between expectations and reality.
In summary, South African troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo are in a precarious situation, facing significant shortages of food and supplies amid escalating violence from armed factions. There are growing calls for the South African government to withdraw its forces, as their operational mandate has become increasingly untenable. The safety of the soldiers is under serious threat, prompting experts to advocate for their immediate extraction from the conflict zone.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
