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Request for Urgent Debate on SANDF DRC Crisis Granted

Dear Editor

Yesterday evening, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, granted the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) request for a Debate of National Importance on the unfolding crisis involving the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The past week has been nothing short of unprecedented in our democracy. Our troops have been sent to the firing line of rebel groups, in what is no longer a peace keeping mission – but full armed conflict. 13 service members have thus far lost their lives, with many more injured. We mourn and honour them.

Further, the President and Commander in the Chief of the SANDF, Cyril Ramaphosa, has landed our Republic in a diplomatic crisis, witnessed in an embarrassing public spat with Rwanda.

Under the Debate topic, “The recent casualties incurred by the SANDF in the DRC and their implications for the defence force”, the DA will demand answers on:

  • Why our troops remain in armed conflict in eastern DRC;
  • What advice their deployment was based on;
  • Why our troops were deployed without the required support including air support;
  • Why South Africans learnt of this calamity on social media, long before any word from the Minister of Defence & Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, or the President.

The mission in the DRC is etched in our history books, and we will use all powers of Parliament in ensuring accountability and preventing this disaster from ever happening again. Our troops and South Africans deserve no less.

Regards

Chris Hattingh MP
DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans

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