SA troops deployed to the DRC for a year
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the deployment of 2 900 members of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) to assist in the fight against illegal armed groups in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Presidency says this is in fulfilment of the country's international obligation towards the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission to support the DRC.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the deployment is covering the period from 15 December 2023 to 15 December 2024.
"It was authorized in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
"The budgeted expenditure to be incurred for the employment amounts to just over R2 billion. This expenditure will not impact provisions for the defense force’s regular maintenance and emergency repairs.
"The obligation to contribute troops to the SADC mission in the DRC is borne by all SADC member states."
The confirmation comes after two SANDF soldiers were injured in an attack in the DRC nearly two weeks ago.
The SANDF Oryx helicopter came under fire while evacuating a casualty from Rwanda to Goma in the eastern DRC.
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