South African Press Association

South Africa: Zuma Authorised SA Troops Deployed to CAR

6 January 2013
Photo: http://www.irinnews.org
South African soldiers.

Johannesburg — President Jacob Zuma authorised the deployment of 400 soldiers to the Central African Republic (CAR), the presidency said on Sunday.

Spokesman Mac Maharaj said the SA Defence Force (SANDF) personnel would be employed by CAR from January 2 this year, to March 31, 2018.

"President Jacob Zuma has authorised the employment... to render support in fulfilment of an international obligation of South Africa towards the CAR," Maharaj said.

"The employment is authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201 (2) (c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996."

The soldiers would assist with the capacity building of the CAR defence force and would assist CAR with the "planning and implementation of the disarmament, demobilisation and re integration processes", Maharaj added.

He said the employment of members of the SANDF to CAR is one of the efforts the country was making to bring about peace and stability in the region.

Zuma sent Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to CAR to go and assess the situation on December 31.

AFP reported that at least 200 South African soldiers arrived in Bangui, capital of CAR on Sunday.

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  • foryohjonathan0000
    Jan 7 2013, 04:39
    Report Abuse

    BRAVO, AND IT MUST NOT END THERE. LET IT CONTINUE UNTIL AFRICANS THEMSELVES START TO REALIZE AND IMPLEMENT THE BEST WAYS(S) FORWARD FOR ALL TO SEE.

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