ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula refutes claims that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to protect private business interests, emphasizing the soldiers' mission was focused on maintaining peace. He addresses the recent tragic deaths of 13 soldiers in the mineral-rich DRC, stressing that their sacrifice underscores South Africa's commitment to regional stability.
ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, has vehemently rejected allegations that the South African National Defence Force ( SANDF ) was deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) to safeguard the business interests of specific individuals. These claims resurfaced following the deaths of 13 soldiers in the region, renowned for its abundant, yet untapped, mineral reserves, including gold, cobalt, and copper.
Mbalula dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that while South African businesspeople are engaged in mining operations within the DRC, their pursuits do not necessitate military protection. \'They didn't die there because they were protecting minerals of somebody. Our people must not be misled. They were there for peace. And that is what it is all about. And it must be understood,' he stated. \Mbalula emphasized that the decision to deploy troops was made following a collective action outlined in the SADC mutual defense act of 2003. He passionately condemned speculation surrounding the soldiers' deaths, stating that their presence in the DRC was aimed at maintaining peace, not waging war. 'We didn't leave here with all our artillery to go to war. We went there to maintain peace and join others,' he explained. He acknowledged the inherent dangers of their mission, stating, 'In the process of that, when we're faced with challenges, and we get attacked and probably, I don't know, we become collateral in the conflict, it's a question that we need to address.' He further stressed that President Cyril Ramaphosa is actively engaging with heads of state to address the complex situation, questioning the rationale of a full-scale war in the DRC. \Mbalula reiterated South Africa's commitment to peace within the African Union and the Southern African Development Community as the driving force behind its involvement in the DRC. He extended the ANC's deepest condolences to the families of the SANDF soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the DRC as part of the UN Mission deployed in the eastern DRC. He recognized their sacrifice as the ultimate price paid in their service to peace and stability in the region
AFRICA DRC DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO DEFENSE FORCE FICILE MBALULA MINERALS PEACE SANDF SOUTH AFRICA UNS
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