Pretoria – Thirteen South African soldiers have been confirmed dead after clashes with the rebel alliance known as Seleka in the Central African Republic (CAR), President Jacob Zuma said on Monday.
The rebels reached the outskirts of CAR capital, Bangui, late on Saturday and seized the presidential palace on Sunday -- a move which forced CAR President Francois Bozize to flee the country.
“We are deeply saddened by the events and developments in that country (CAR) over the past 72 hours, which saw violence escalating and many innocent lives lost.
“We have confirmed that 13 of our brave soldiers, who were committed to fighting for peace and stability in Africa, fell in Bangui,” said Zuma at a media briefing.
Zuma said one soldier was still unaccounted for and operations to locate the soldier were underway. Twenty-seven more soldiers were wounded.
“On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, I would like to convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved families,” said the President, who also wished the wounded soldiers a speedy recovery.
The President said Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Solly Shoke, would provide further details later today on operational matters.
Zuma described the incident as a sad moment for the country, which occurred during a period when South Africans should be celebrating the hosting of the Brics summit for the first time.
“We are truly proud of our soldiers. Just over 200 of them fought bandits numbering more than a 1 000 people. They fought a high tempo battle for nine hours, defending the South African military base, until the bandits raised a white flag and asked for a ceasefire.
“Our soldiers inflicted heavy casualties among the attacking bandit forces. They paid the ultimate price in the service of their country and Africa. We honour them for their bravery and commitment to peace,” he said.
The President said the actions of the bandits would not deter South Africa’s responsibility of working for peace and stability in Africa, and of supporting the prevention of the military overthrow of constitutionally elected governments and thus subverting democracy.
“As a member of the African Union, South Africa rejects any attempt to seize power by force, and therefore would support sanctions and other measures against the perpetrators of any unconstitutional change of government.
“Wherever our troops are deployed they have the duty to defend themselves is their positions fall under attack,” he said.
He said government would announce further details in due course regarding how the nation would honour the brave South African soldiers.
South Africa and the CAR signed a military cooperation agreement in 2007, which was renewed for a further five years in December 2012.
The agreement was to provide the CAR’s army with an array of military training, from infantry, artillery and Special Forces training to logistics and driving courses, as well as the refurbishment of military infrastructure in Bouar and Bangui. - SAnews.gov.za
