Article

2013-03-26 Africa Subsaharan

13 South African soldiers killed in CAR capital

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Posted by Fred 2013-03-26 00:00|| || Front Page|| [5 views ] Top

#1 It is my understanding that professional intelligence reporting was ignored in favour of so-called external subject matter experts who provided free advice and training.

Posted by Besoeker 2013-03-26 01:50|| 2013-03-26 01:50|| Front Page Top

#2 President Zuma's remarks.

Plus this information:

Reports out of South Africa, however, describe the 200 SADF soldiers as paratroopers and Special Forces, not trainers. Their engagement over the weekend with over 1000 rebel troops advancing on the city apparently proved too much for them; it is now unclear what will happen. According to an unconfirmed UN source in Bangui (as reported by Reuters) SADF had asked the French for assistance in leaving the country. Additionally, the rumour mill in South Africa has it that the soldiers were never really there to protect Bozize as their primary mission, but rather to safeguard South African mining interests and to counter French influence in the region. If that is the case then the irony of asking the French for help to depart will certainly not be lost on the critics.

Apparently being a power-broker is proving to be harder than expected.

Posted by Pappy 2013-03-26 11:32|| 2013-03-26 11:32|| Front Page Top

#3 ....the rumour mill in South Africa has it that the soldiers were never really there to protect Bozize as their primary mission, but rather to safeguard South African mining interests and to counter French influence in the region.

Say it isn't so.

Posted by Besoeker 2013-03-26 11:46|| 2013-03-26 11:46|| Front Page Top

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