Frustration Mounts as Angie Motshekga Skips DRC Briefing for Russia V-Day Trip

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is under fire after missing a critical parliamentary briefing on South Africa’s military withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to attend World War II Victory Day celebrations in Russia.

On 9 May, members of Parliament’s joint standing committee on defence voiced their frustration as Motshekga’s absence left many questions unanswered during a briefing on the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) exit from Goma. Her apology, relayed by committee chairperson Malusi Gigaba, stated that the ANC had deployed her to Russia.

While Gigaba defended the trip, citing “diplomatic reasons,” some MPs called for the meeting to be postponed, arguing that the minister’s presence was vital given the nature of the SANDF’s high-risk operations in the DRC.

Troop Withdrawal Underway Amid Limited Information

Despite the minister’s absence, Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa and Department of Defence (DoD) CFO Edem Abotsi carried on with the briefing. They confirmed that the SANDF’s withdrawal, which began in late April, was being coordinated by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The departing forces include:

• 700 South African troops

• 137 helicopter unit members

• 24 tactical intelligence officers

• 250 members of a rapid reaction force

South African troops have been part of a regional peacekeeping effort alongside Malawian and Tanzanian forces to stabilize the region and support Congolese efforts against the M23 rebel group.

Abotsi confirmed that SADC leaders had met face-to-face with M23 representatives to negotiate a peaceful withdrawal, and that both sides agreed to ensure the safe return of troops.

Logistical Challenges in the Exit Strategy

Originally, an airlift was the preferred withdrawal method. However, Goma airport was deemed unsuitable. As an alternative, the SANDF negotiated safe passage through Rwanda and into Tanzania. The first advance convoy began setting up a transit camp in Tanzania on 28 April. A second convoy left Goma on 2 May and safely reached Tanzania on 7 May. A third group departed Goma on 9 May, with more to follow.

However, details around damaged equipment left behind—such as helicopters—remain unclear. DA MP Chris Hattingh pressed the department for transparency, expressing concern that the public is being left in the dark under the guise of operational security.

Operation Copper: What’s Next for the SANDF

As the DRC withdrawal progresses, South Africa’s next military engagement has already been approved. Operation Copper, which targets piracy off Africa’s east coast, will continue for another year. Ramaphosa has greenlit the deployment of 200 SANDF members from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, at a cost of R61 million.

The operation responds to growing concerns that piracy is migrating southward from Somali waters into the Mozambican channel—a trend that threatens regional maritime trade and security.

Morale and Political Accountability

While the DoD refrained from describing troop morale as “high,” Abotsi noted it was “good,” based on feedback from returning soldiers. Still, MPs and the public are left questioning the timing and judgment of the minister’s trip, especially as South Africa’s role in global and regional security continues to evolve.

For now, the controversy over Motshekga’s absence may overshadow the logistics of the SANDF withdrawal raising difficult questions about accountability, transparency, and the balancing act between diplomacy and domestic responsibility.

{Source: The Citizen}

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