Lamola rules out withdrawal of SA troops from DRC

CAPE TOWN - International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has ruled out the withdrawal of South African troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as political parties across the divide call for them to come home.

At the same time, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has moved the expected arrival date of the return of the bodies of fallen soldiers from Tuesday to Thursday.

Lamola said that withdrawing the rest of the around 1,000 troops stationed in the east of that country would be worse than a retreat.

Heated debate ensued in the National Assembly on Monday as the Democratic Alliance (DA) set the stage, calling for the withdrawal of troops and Motshekga’s resignation.

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But Lamola has dismissed the suggestion, saying it would be reckless and irresponsible of government not to help resolve the conflict.

"I want to say that an outright withdrawal as called upon by some in the House, is not even a tactical retreat. It is even worse than a surrender. As with the numbers of armed groups in the area, there lies an ambush."

Meanwhile, Motshekga said it was part of South Africa's foreign policy to contribute to peace and stability on the continent. 

"The South African defence members' ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by young women and men in peacekeeping missions."

She said that the fallen soldiers would all be buried with full military honours.