CAR: We need answers: iLIVE

27 March 2013 - 03:14 By Mzukisi Gaba, Cape Town
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SANDF chief General Solly Shoke briefs reporters yesterday in Pretoria over the Central African Republic fighting that claimed the lives of at least 13 soldiers.
SANDF chief General Solly Shoke briefs reporters yesterday in Pretoria over the Central African Republic fighting that claimed the lives of at least 13 soldiers.
Image: Supplied

South African soldiers involved in the 13-hour battle in the Central African Republic in which 13 of their colleagues were killed claim their mission had nothing to do with "training" the republic's army. (The Times, March 26).

Of course, the turn of events in the Central African Republic have reverberated across the political landscape and placed matters of national security at the centre of public discourse. Yes, the fallen soldiers who acquitted themselves with valour deserve our praises. While it is expected that peace missions are fraught with casualties, we need to learn from our errors. It is disturbing to learn that South African defences were overrun by superior forces - 3000 rebels.

Who armed them?

Evidently Francois Bozize lacked all semblance of legitimacy, hence 3000 of his people took up arms.

The question that boggles the mind is why our military doctrine should prop up a leader who lacks legitimacy? Also, why were our soldiers not warned by intelligence about impending catastrophe and how to combat it?

Why were our ground troops not provided with air cover to neutralise the enemy? The questions are many and require comprehensive examination. One is loath to invoke a commission, but what other recourse do we have?

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