SANDF Soldiers Accused of Misconduct in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Recalled Back to South Africa

In an unfortunate turn of events for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the organization has seen eight of its soldiers implicated in allegations of misconduct in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The soldiers were performing their assignments under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO) in the DRC.

It was on October 1 that these soldiers, all stationed in Beni, allegedly fell foul of the rules, in direct violation of the curfew and procedures associated with the Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). This information was laid bare by the United Nations Military Police (UN MP) who took the soldiers into custody.

Bringing light to the manner in which this information came to them, SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini stated that the news first hit the organization via the media. He noted the lack of proper reporting channels used, as neither the RSA Defence Advisor nor the RSA United Nations Representative were informed as per standard procedure.

The gravity of these accusations has not been taken lightly by the SANDF. Prompt measures have been put in place to recall these soldiers back to South Africa, so they may face the allegations head-on, and provide an account of events as occurred in Beni. The army is committed to letting justice prevail and is conducting a formal investigation.

As things stand, all involved are waiting for the outcome of the formal investigation by SANDF to reveal the facts behind the allegations. This is a pivotal juncture for the accused as well as South Africa's role in international peacekeeping efforts.