Parly committee says it's of 'specific importance' that 7th Parliament oversees SANDF deployment in DRC
President Cyril Ramaphosa approved the deployment of 2,900 SANDF members to the DRC earlier in 2024 in efforts to aid the Congolese army in fighting M23 rebels.
People gather next to some vehicles from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission as they flee the Masisi territory following clashes between M23 rebels and government forces, at a road near Sake on 7 February 2024. Picture: AFP
CAPE TOWN - The Joint Committee on Defence said it’s important that the seventh administration of Parliament after the elections oversees the deployment of soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This came as the conflict in the region persisted, with South Africa supporting the Congolese army in fighting M23 rebels.
ALSO READ:
- SA 'not an island', says Ramaphosa in defence of SANDF deployment to DRC
- Modise says SANDF troops will continue to fight for peace in DRC
President Cyril Ramaphosa approved the deployment of 2,900 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members earlier in 2024.
Now Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence said in its legacy report that it would be of "specific importance to the 7th Parliament to oversee" the SANDF deployment in two Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployments in Mozambique and the DRC.
SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini, denied that two South African soldiers were captured by the rebels in the DRC.
"The SANDF rejects with contempt any suggestions or inference that two of the SANDF members deployed as part of the SADC mission in the DRC have surrendered to the M23 rebels."
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also wants Parliament to summon the SANDF commanders to explain why the deployment was authorised.