South African Soldiers in DR Congo Urgently Demand Withdrawal Amid Crisis

South African troops in the DRC are in a desperate situation, suffering from food shortages and a lack of support. Calls for withdrawal have increased due to the escalating dangers and challenges faced by the soldiers against the M23 rebel group. Recent communications from the field reveal serious concerns regarding troop safety and operational effectiveness.

South African troops deployed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the Southern African Development Community Mission are reportedly in a desperate situation. Over a thousand soldiers in Goma expressed their urgent desire to return to South Africa due to severe vulnerabilities, including dwindling food supplies. Calls for the withdrawal of these troops have intensified as their mission faces significant challenges.

The South African National Defence Union (Sandu) revealed that the troops are struggling with inadequate support and direction from South African authorities. Communication from the field indicates that the soldiers feel unsafe and surrounded by hostile forces, making their extraction particularly precarious. Sandu’s National Secretary, Pikkie Greeff, described the troops metaphorically as “bargaining chips in a greater scheme of things.”

Defence experts have echoed concerns regarding the feasibility of the South African mission and have called for an immediate withdrawal from the conflict-ridden eastern DRC. South African forces lead the Southern African Mission, providing assistance to the Congolese army in its struggle against the M23 rebel group, alongside military support from Tanzania and Malawi.

Amidst ongoing hostilities, the Congolese army, backed by Burundian forces and various militia groups, has been unable to effectively counter the M23, which has taken control of Goma and Bukavu. Recently, close to 200 soldiers needing medical attention were repatriated through Rwanda, while several FDLR fighters were captured. With an alarming rise in casualties among South African troops, there have been escalating calls for urgent action from the South African government.

Expert John Supard emphasized that South Africa must prioritize the safety of its soldiers and accept the necessity of withdrawal. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga, claimed that troops were sufficiently equipped at the onset of engagements against the M23. However, the realities on the ground suggest otherwise.

In summary, South African soldiers in the eastern DRC face dire conditions and urgently seek repatriation. With reported shortages of food and supplies, and a situation increasingly labeled as untenable, both military and political experts have recommended withdrawal. The ongoing conflict against the M23 rebels has proven challenging, prompting a call for the South African government to prioritize the welfare of its troops.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw