EFF casts doubts on peacekeeping as reason for SANDF deployment in DRC

CAPE TOWN - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have cast doubt over whether the deployment of South African troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a peacekeeping mission. 

The party believes South African troops are engaged in a full-scale war with the DRC against M23 rebels to protect a mineral-rich area. 

Defence Ministers are facing a barrage of questions in Parliament this afternoon over the deployment, in the wake of the deaths of 14 soldiers last month. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s, Nicholas Gotsell, said the sixth administration failed in its duty to properly interrogate the deployment of South African troops to the DRC, back in 2023, when it was first informed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

READ: SANDF working tirelessly to repatriate troops who perished in DRC conflict

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief Rudzani Maphwanya has been at pains to point out that the arrangement is part of a SADC peacekeeping mission, that includes troops from Tanzania and Malawi.

“Our foreign policy hinges on the world and the continent and a region that is free of strife therefore peace and security remain the cornerstone of that policy thrust.”

But the EFF’s Carl Niehaus insisted the mission is an offensive one, and that the South African army is ill-equipped. 

“You sent them to die for the mineral wealth that is being looked after- the mines that are being looked after that belong to Cyril Ramaphosa, his family and his friends.”

The DA’s Chris Hattingh also believes parliament is being duped about a peacekeeping mission. 

The minister was set to respond to the claims.