Malema: Equip troops in DRC or bring them home
EFF leader Julius Malema has expressed concern over the deployment of South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo without adequate resources, putting them in harm’s way.
This follows the tragic deaths of nine South African peacekeepers, including two serving under the United Nations MONUSCO peacekeeping force, in clashes with M23 rebels.
The incident has raised broader concerns about the safety of South African troops involved in peacekeeping missions across Africa.
Malema criticised the lack of supplies and ammunition for the soldiers, which he claims left them vulnerable during the confrontation.
He spoke to the SABC News during a Monday visit to Relebogile High School in Khutsong, Merafong Municipality
He said while he supports efforts to assist those affected by regional wars, such interventions must be approached responsibly.
"We must first stabilise the DRC, support SADC initiatives, and back the UN’s intervention. The stability of the DRC ensures the stability of SADC, and in turn, the stability of SADC strengthens the entire continent.
“We need to be proactive. If there are problems in the DRC, they must be addressed there before they escalate and reach us. You can’t wait for a crisis to land on your doorstep to realise there’s an issue.
“If instability persists in the DRC, it will set a dangerous precedent. The African agenda compels us to help the people of the DRC, but we must do so without jeopardising ourselves.
“We need to deploy the best resources we have. If we lack the capacity, we must admit it and withdraw. We may have the will to intervene, but if we lack the means, we risk losing lives. Innocent children will die," he added.
Malema called for President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga to be held accountable for failing to provide adequate equipment to the troops.
"Somebody's children are going to die—not just the ones already affected. If you had shot nine American soldiers, given the current mindset of U.S. presidents, they would have responded with threats the very next day.
“No one would be playing games. But here, people are playing games with the lives of our brothers, and we cannot allow that. If they can’t provide the necessary equipment, then bring our soldiers back.
“In the incident before this one, soldiers told me there were two military helicopters stationed at their base but no pilots to fly them. The first and only time those helicopters flew was when they were delivered. There is some airpower available, but it’s useless because of a lack of capacity.
“Someone is clearly not doing their job. And to make matters worse, they appoint Angie Motshekga as Minister of Defence, after her stint as Minister of 'sinkholes," Malema said, referring to her time as basic education minister.
Malema has also called for an emergency joint sitting of Parliament “to hold Ramaphosa accountable and to urgently present a withdrawal plan to ensure the safe return of South African soldiers”.
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