The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that its forces surrendered to M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The SANDF said these allegations are misleading and untrue.
In a statement on Tuesday, the SANDF clarified the misrepresentation of events circulating in a video clip claiming that SANDF forces surrendered to M23 rebels.
“We wish to set the record straight. The footage in question depicts a white flag raised, which is an outcome of discussions between the opposing fighting forces to agree on a truce to allow M23 to recover their dead and injured in the vicinity of our base.
“This will also open the route for our troops to access medical facilities. This is common practice in any war. Let members of the public not be alarmed by a video clip and its meaning,” the SANDF explained.
In addition, the SANDF reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to its peacekeeping mission under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO) in the DRC and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
The SANDF further emphasised that its troops continue to operate with resolve, courage, and discipline to bring peace and stability to the region.
South Africa has played a pivotal role in the DRC’s peacekeeping efforts, with SANDF forces working tirelessly under challenging circumstances to support the mission’s objectives.
The public is urged to always exercise caution when engaging with unverified information on social media, particularly in matters involving the safety and integrity of South Africa’s peacekeeping forces. – SAnews.gov.za
