The South African Defence Force (SANDF) has guaranteed the public that the mission of a phased withdrawal of soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, is underway and is unfolding according to plan.
This follows some weekend media reports alleging that the soldiers were stranded in Goma, after the buses which were supposed to ferry them to Tanzania, failed to arrive.
SANDF has since released a statement to refute the claims.
“We assure the public that all SANDF members deployed as part of this mission are safe, adequately supplied for and continue to receive their daily meals and essentials.
No member is stranded or without support,” read the statement.
During a media briefing earlier this month regarding the withdrawal mission, SANDF’s Chief Rudzani Maphwanya cautioned the media against publishing reports without confirming key details with the SANDF, adding that it might compromise the security of the soldiers.
In their latest press release, they called on journalists to verify information and avoid causing panic.
“The SANDF appeals to members of the public and the media to exercise discernment and patience during this sensitive withdrawal phase.
Inaccurate or speculative reporting may cause unnecessary concern and mislead the nation,” warned the SANDF.
It reiterated its commitment to provide transparent updates as the phased withdrawal progresses.
The soldiers and their equipment, who are part of SAMIDRC, are being moved from Goma in the DRC, to Chato, Tanzania.
