South African troops in the DRC are facing severe shortages of food and supplies while desperate for a return home. Calls for withdrawal are growing as their mission effectiveness is questioned amid rising dangers, with troops surrounded and in precarious conditions. Experts advocate for a reassessment of South Africa’s military engagement in the region given the risks involved.
South African soldiers deployed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are revealing serious concerns about their dire conditions. Some troops have communicated their desperation to return home due to a lack of food and supplies while stationed in Goma under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). Reports indicate that over a thousand South African troops are vulnerable and urgently needing support.
Current reports indicate a growing push for the South African government to withdraw its troops from the DRC, as their mission’s effectiveness is being called into question. The South African National Defence Union (Sandu) has been receiving distress signals from soldiers who lack essential supplies and safety. “They are not safe, the situation is too volatile,” noted Sandu’s National Secretary Pikkie Greeff, highlighting the precarious nature of their environment.
The argument to withdraw troops has been supported by defense experts, citing the questionable mandate of the South African National Defence Forces (SANDF) in the conflict-torn region. Troops are currently engaged in combat to assist the Congolese army against the M23 rebels, but their operations seem increasingly compromised. Recent reports show that several SAMIDRC soldiers required medical evacuation, emphasizing the deteriorating conditions on the ground.
Amid ongoing conflict, South African troops find themselves surrounded by M23 forces in key areas like Goma and Sake, leading to heightened fears for their safety. In contrast, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has already ordered his country’s troop withdrawal, showcasing regional shifts in military commitment. A troubling incident earlier this year resulted in 14 South African troops killed and many more injured, raising alarms about the military’s strategic positioning and support.
Advocates for the withdrawal argue that confronting the reality of the situation is essential. Defense expert John Supard has stated that South Africa should aim to safely extract its troops from eastern DRC. This call for strategic retreat underscores the urgent need to reassess mission viability amidst increasingly dangerous circumstances, especially as the Minister of Defence previously asserted that troops were equipped for engagement with the M23 rebels.
In summary, South African soldiers in the DRC are facing perilous conditions, marked by food shortages and lack of security, prompting calls for their withdrawal. The situation underscores a critical need for the South African government to reevaluate its military presence in the region, especially as allied nations reassess their commitments, with lives at stake. Continued support for troops in conflict zones must be prioritized to ensure their safety and mission effectiveness.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
