Soldiers deployed to DRC warned against sexual exploitation and assault
Hundreds of South African troops are to be deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) "triangle of death"‚ and their conduct there will come under close scrutiny. In a farewell to the troops on Monday outside Bloemfontein‚ Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula hammered home the point of discipline. "The enemy is everywhere. Do not think that just because you are simply outside your base they [the enemy] are not there." Mapisa-Nqakula — who was in Bloemfontein to commemorate UN Peacekeepers Day — paid homage to the families of the 39 South African peacekeepers who have died while on UN peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions since 1999. Addressing the 850 soldiers from 5 South African Infantry Battalion‚ who are to be deployed as part of the UN’s Force Intervention Brigade in the eastern DRC‚ Mapisa-Nqakula said she would not tolerate "nonsense" from the troops. "You have names of your predecessors to live up to‚ many of whom gave their lives in trying to bring peace...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.