South Africa approves army deployment in DRC

The South African cabinet on Wednesday approved the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to take part in the peacekeeping operations in the DRC, the South African Press Agency (SAPA) reported on Wednesday. It quoted government spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe as telling journalists in Cape Town that the earliest possible date of their deployment was 26 June. He said, however, that an assessment by South Africa and the UN of the situation in the DRC would determine the final date, adding that the mission would comprise six teams of specialised military elements. A South African military reconnaissance team returned this week from DRC to present its recommendations on South African logistical support for a planned UN peacekeeping operation. A spokesman for SANDF told IRIN on Wednesday that the team would present their report to the government’s defence council and to parliament. “Only once they have presented their findings and recommendations to parliament will a decision be taken on our SANDF role in the DRC,” he said. President Thabo Mbeki said in parliament last month that South Africa’s role in a UN mission to the DRC would be limited to logistics and headquarters functions, and would not include ground troops.