South Africa Prepares To Disengage Troops From MONUSCO

Topafricanews has reliably learned that South African troops are preparing to disegange from UN Peacekeeping Operations.

The South African government said that it wants to “realign” the resources of its armed forces.

The office of South African President said on Saturday that there are 700 soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has supported UN peacekeeping efforts there for 27 years.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said that he has already informed the United Nations Secretary‑General, Antonio Guterres, of the South African government’s decision to withdraw its contribution of soldiers to MONUSCO.

“The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has been informed by the United Nations Secretariat that the Republic of South Africa will be withdrawing its remaining contingents and troops from MONUSCO,” a statement from the mission office in Kinshasa said.

The statement adds,”MONUSCO expresses its deep gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa for their steadfast commitment over several decades to United Nations peacekeeping, as well as for the dedication demonstrated by South African peacekeepers in support of the Mission’s mandate.”

“MONUSCO also pays tribute to South African peacekeepers who lost their lives under the United Nations flag in the service of peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and honors their sacrifice,” reads part of the statement.