Dear Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans,

It is with great concern that I am writing this message to this committee about the operational readiness of our National Defence Force in the DRC.

Currently the SADC mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) is under equipped to confront M23 forces wielding surface to air missiles, GPS guided mortars and other high-tech weaponry.

The United Nations (MONUSCO) will completely withdraw from the DRC by 31 December 2024. This total withdrawal of MONUSCO has already revealed the security void in DRC. The UN withdrawal is incongruent with the security realities. The M23 is currently gaining ground which leads to increased instability and more internal displacements.

Firstly, I would like to have the Deployment of SANDF in DRC be place on the agenda as a discussion point in light of our operational readiness under SAMIDRC and our capability against the M23 rebel group.

Secondly, to what extent is South African government involved in diplomatic discussions with DRC and Rwanda in light of the allegations of the Rwandan government involvement with M23 rebels.

Regards

R. Jacobs