DA to table draft resolution on CAR in the National Assembly

Tomorrow, 23 April 2013, I will, at Parliament's first sitting of this term, move a draft resolution requesting that Parliament investigate the circumstances and mishaps relating to the SANDF deployment in the Central African Republic.

The Joint Standing Committee on Defence must investigate the processes which were followed by the Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, in extending South Africa's defence cooperation agreement with the CAR. The so-called second Memorandum of Understanding is, in the DA's view, not an extension of the original agreement between the two states; but amounts to a new agreement.

The JSCD must investigate, among other things:

• the adequateness of the equipment given to SANDF troops stationed in the Central African Republic from 01 February 2012;
• the adequateness of medical support available to SANDF troops stationed in the Central African Republic from 01 February 2012; and
• the SANDF's compliance with International Humanitarian Law while stationed in the Central African Republic.

In addition, we want Parliament to fulfil its constitutional mandate and hold both President Zuma and Minister Mapisa-Nqakula accountable for their actions throughout this process. The details of this resolution will be read out in full tomorrow afternoon in Parliament.

13 of our soldiers lost their lives fighting in Bangui. In order to honour those who have died, it is imperative that Parliament gets to the bottom of what happened leading up to their deaths and holds those responsible accountable.

The House must no longer sit back and do nothing to hold the Cabinet and the President accountable for their actions. It is our responsibility as Members of Parliament to ensure that South Africans receive answers to these critical questions.

Statement issued by Lindiwe Mazibuko MP, DA Parliamentary Leader, April 22 2013

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