SANDU wary about deal for SA soldiers' return from DRC
Defence Union SANDU says it is cautiously
optimistic about a peace deal reached for the return of South African troops
from eastern DRC.
On Friday, chiefs of staff of the armed forces of South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania met with the M23's military chief Sultani Makenga in the city of Goma.
The parties agreed the rebel group will facilitate the withdrawal of SADC troops with their weapons and equipment via Goma airport.
The airport has not been in use because of damage caused by the fighting.
Earlier this month, SADC decided to end its deployment in the region, where M23 fighters have taken control of large parts of North and South Kivu provinces.
READ: DRC seeking 'safe exit' for southern African troops
The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 to seize valuable mineral resources and rich farmland.
Rwanda denies providing the M23 with military support.
South Africa lost 14 soldiers in January from the conflict.
"One should caution however, that between an agreement and the actual execution, there is a huge gap that still needs to be filled. One can only hope that there's goodwill on both sides to make the agreement into a reality." said SANDU's National Secretary Pikkie Greef.
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