SANDU calls for inquiry into deaths of 14 South African soldiers in DRC

SANDU calls for inquiry into deaths of 14 South African soldiers in DRC! The South African National Defence Union (SANDU) has called for an inquiry into the deaths of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who were killed during a recent conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The soldiers died when M23 rebels launched an attack on Congolese forces in the city of Goma two weeks ago.

Questions Surrounding the Circumstances

The incident has raised numerous questions about the exact circumstances surrounding the soldiers’ deaths. While the South African government stated that the attack was not directly targeted at SANDF troops, there is still considerable uncertainty regarding how the tragedy unfolded.

Jeff Dubazana, SANDU’s national negotiator, emphasized the union’s concern about the lack of clarity. “As a union, we are calling for an inquiry around this whole deployment mission. What happened a week before the 22nd of January last month? Why during the 22nd and 23rd did we lose our soldiers?” Dubazana asked.

The Need for an Investigation

SANDU has urged the government and SANDF leadership to launch an independent inquiry to determine what went wrong in the lead-up to and during the attack. Dubazana explained that a comprehensive investigation could help uncover any operational failures or lapses in communication that may have contributed to the soldiers’ deaths.

“We want answers. Were there intelligence failures? Was there proper coordination between the SANDF and Congolese forces? These are critical questions that need to be addressed,” Dubazana said.

The union is also seeking assurances that lessons will be learned from the incident to improve the safety of troops deployed in peacekeeping missions going forward.

Memorial Service Honors Fallen Soldiers

A memorial service was held on Thursday night in Tshwane to honor the 14 fallen soldiers. The ceremony was attended by government officials, military leaders, and the families of the deceased.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is the commander-in-chief of the SANDF, led the ceremony. In his address, he paid tribute to the soldiers for their service and sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.

“These soldiers embodied the spirit of selflessness and bravery. They were dedicated to their mission, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Ramaphosa said.

Defence Minister Thandi Modise also spoke at the memorial, expressing condolences to the bereaved families and reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of soldiers deployed abroad.

Continued Violence in the DRC

The attack on Congolese forces by M23 rebels is part of ongoing violence in the eastern DRC, a region that has been plagued by conflict for decades. The M23 rebel group, which emerged from a previous rebellion in 2012, has been accused of human rights abuses and destabilizing the region.

SANDF troops have been deployed in the DRC as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission known as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Their primary mission is to protect civilians and support Congolese forces in maintaining peace and security.

However, peacekeeping missions in the DRC are inherently dangerous, with soldiers frequently exposed to hostile and unpredictable conditions.

SANDU’s Demands for Accountability

SANDU has made it clear that it expects full accountability and transparency from the SANDF and government regarding the deaths of the soldiers. Dubazana stressed that the families of the fallen troops deserve to know the truth about what happened.

“We owe it to the families to provide them with answers. We also owe it to our soldiers to ensure that their safety is prioritized in future deployments,” he said.

The union’s call for an inquiry is likely to add pressure on the government to take action and provide greater clarity about the events leading up to the soldiers’ deaths. As the nation mourns the loss of its servicemen, many will be watching closely to see how the government responds to SANDU’s demands for justice and accountability.