Cyril Ramaphosa urged to address nation after 13 soldiers die in DRC attack. Photo by Gallo Images
CALLS for Ramaphosa to address nation after tragic soldier deaths in DRC.
Political parties are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to speak to the nation following the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since Friday, 24 January.
Mzansi is in shock after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) announced that soldiers deployed in the DRC were attacked, resulting in 14 fatalities by a militant group.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) criticised Ramaphosa, saying he must urgently hold a “family meeting” to update citizens on the situation. BOSA Acting Spokesman Roger Solomons said the President must explain the events in the DRC and why South African lives are being lost.
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“These South Africans paid the ultimate price in a mission aimed at stopping rebel groups in the region. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.”
“For too long, South Africans have been kept in the dark about the true motives and implications of our military’s involvement in this resource-rich, yet war-torn region. We deserve answers,” he said.
Solomons questioned whether Mzansi’s involvement in the DRC is a selfless mission for regional peace, or if the nation is entangled in geopolitical games driven by resource interests.
“It can only be national interests that require military power to be deployed to another country,” he said.
Congress of the People (COPE) Acting National Treasurer Teboho Loate emphasised that while Ramaphosa has called for a ceasefire in the DRC, more decisive action is needed, considering his role as Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF.
“The tragic loss of soldiers demands not only a call for peace but also a clear strategy to protect our military personnel.
“How many more soldiers should die on the battlefield before Ramaphosa addresses the nation to show sympathy and empathy?” he questioned.
Loate urged Ramaphosa to clarify the true reasons for the troops’ presence in the DRC.
“The official pretense of ‘peacekeeping’ under United Nations and SADC deployment has been exposed as a lie and deceit.” he said.
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