We’ve cracked open the possibilities for deals between countries, which could be highly positive for Africa. However, we also need to remain vigilant, as some of the more negative scenarios could actually exacerbate conflict.
The SADC mission was supposedly intended to neutralise M23, yet it was instead neutralised by M23. If that isn’t a failure, I don’t know what is. So, at the mission level and the national level, it’s a defeat.
South Africa appeared primarily motivated by economic factors and a desire to preserve its regional prestige, despite lacking the required military capabilities.
Ramaphosa’s government should “swallow their pride and start negotiations with Rwanda and the M23 rebels for their release. “It must be humiliating for our soldiers, and their well-being should be the government’s priority.”
South Africa’s current involvement in the DRC is “deeply irresponsible, pretending to be a regional power on what is essentially an overgrown border guard budget.”
Defence minister Angie Motshekga and military chiefs, who appeared before a parliamentary committee, seemed unaware of how damaging their actions have been for the military. President Cyril Ramaphosa should “clean house.”
“Our troops have not been disarmed whatsoever. No one has gained entry into our bases and taken control,” according to SANDF spokesperson Sipho Dlamini.
Videos obtained by National Security News and circulating on WhatsApp groups suggest that some South African soldiers have surrendered to the M23 rebels.
