SA soldiers to remain in the Central African Republic

Loyiso Langeni

26 March 2013

Presidency on Monday said government has not made a decision to withdraw troops from the Central African Republic.

On Monday it was confirmed that 13 South African soldiers have been killed and one is still missing. 

Rebels attacked the South African base on the outskirts of the capital Bangui on Saturday.

Presidential Spokesperson Mac Maharaj this is a sad moment for our country.

Maharaj added that the government is truly proud of the soldiers, they fought a hard battle.

Meanwhile the ACDP said it would like to express its condolences to the South African National Defence Force and their families of the 13 South African troops who lost their lives during battle against an overwhelming rebel force in Central African Rebublic.

The ACDP’s Steve Swart says this is the highest number of South African troops killed in action since 1994. 

Swart said this whole incident elevates illustrate a lack of capacity. These are the result of the budgetary cut the ACDP has highlighted.