Desperate Situation of South African Soldiers in Eastern DR Congo

South African soldiers deployed in eastern DR Congo are facing dire conditions, seeking urgent repatriation due to food shortages and inadequate support. Calls for their withdrawal are intensifying as military experts criticize the mission’s effectiveness against the M23 rebels. The troops’ safety has raised alarms following significant casualties and a volatile environment. Military personnel are advocating for their return back home.

South African troops currently deployed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) are facing severe challenges and are anxious to return home. Reports from the broadcaster eNCA indicate that over a thousand South African soldiers stationed in Goma are running low on food and essential supplies.

There is increasing pressure on the South African government to withdraw its troops from DR Congo due to the mission’s failure. Communication from soldiers reveals a lack of support and guidance from authorities, and they have expressed distress over the precarious conditions. The South African National Defence Union (Sandu) has received troubling messages from the personnel, highlighting their dire situation, as they are reportedly unprotected and surrounded in a volatile environment.

Military experts have echoed calls for the South African government to reconsider its involvement in the region, as the soldiers’ mandate appears questionable. Trained to support the Congolese military against M23 rebels, South African forces, alongside troops from Tanzania and Malawi, have not effectively countered the insurgency.

Reports indicate that several international factions, including the Burundian army and various militias, are opposing the M23 rebels which have gained significant territory, including Goma and Bukavu. Recently, close to 200 SAMIDRC soldiers, injured or in need of medical attention, were safely repatriated through Rwanda, while some FDLR fighters were captured and returned to Rwanda.

The safety of South African troops has drawn considerable attention, particularly after the fatalities and injuries experienced in January during combat. Experts advocate for an immediate withdrawal, noting that President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi has already commenced the withdrawal of his country’s troops. Despite claims made by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, regarding the adequacy of military resources, conditions for the deployed soldiers remain critical.

In summary, South African troops in eastern DR Congo are in a desperate situation, grappling with shortages of food and supplies while facing deadly clashes with rebel forces. Growing calls for their withdrawal underscore the mission’s failures and the urgent need for immediate action. As regional tensions escalate, there are significant concerns for the safety and well-being of the servicemen, necessitating a reevaluation of their involvement in the conflict.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw