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Calls for full inquiry into SANDF's DRC peacekeeping mission following soldier deaths

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sandf thumb medium90 89Cape Argus reports that the call by Deputy Minister of Defence, Bantu Holomisa for a full investigation of the country's peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which claimed the lives of 14 SANDF soldiers last month, has received widespread political support.

Military experts and political parties have united in demanding transparency and accountability over the country's failed DRC mission. Holomisa, speaking in his capacity as the deputy minister, made his call while addressing mourners at the funeral of 42-year-old SANDF Sergeant William Eddie Cola in the Eastern Cape on Saturday. Cola is one of the 14 soldiers who lost their lives against the Rwandan backed M23 Rebels in the DRC. Holomisa said: "It is standard practice to conduct a Military Board of Inquiry after incidents of this nature. Such an exercise helps the Commanders to make sure whatever mistakes have been made are not repeated in future operations. Judicial Commissions of Inquiry are normally conducted when there is an opaqueness on how the operation was conducted. In this case there have been clarion calls by the public and during Parliament debates for an inquiry to be conducted. Such a decision would be taken by the Cabinet." Military expert and editor of Defense Web Guy Martin said: "I think Holomisa’s comments are not just welcomed but urgently needed. The SANDF has provided little clarity on the situation in the DRC and what went wrong. There needs to be transparency and accountability, and action taken to ensure that a military disaster like this does not happen again.”

  • Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siyabonga Sithole at Cape Argus


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