Original:
Over the past few rotations of Planet Earth, I have been raising alarms about actions of the main powers embedded in or about the République démocratique du Congo. Based upon the geopolitical movements at play, I fear either an escalation or rush of movement. Business unusual appears to be at work.
South Africa has designs for 'training' RD Congo servicemen. Similar claims were made when our special forces troops were in fact installed in République centrafricaine, to instil stability upon the ground there. The CAR deployment became a great fiasco as our allies allegedly joined the Islamist lead Seleka rebel militias, and as child soldiers and adult infantrymen charged our positions and overthrew our allies. Christians, and civilians with no affiliation, and the wildlife of that country have suffered deeply due to the coup d'état there, as the coup d'état installed, self appointed new 'leader' of that nation has appealed to Allah to guide his actions, rather than to science and the political manuals many leaders utilise with a bit more success.
Rwanda, which is often accused of being the financier of the Rebel movement, the army deserters known as the M23, (Rwanda) recently claimed that Congo government armaments were utilised by (RD Congo) security forces to bombard the Rwandan border. Rwanda has had a great thirst for intervention in the RD Congo, and many claims have arisen of its land forces accompanying and assisting rebels. The United Nations forces have stated that aucun doute, certainly, they have only and yet every time observed the M23 rebels shelling neighbouring Rwanda.
As I stated, Rwanda was pathologically itching to summons their soldiers and to send these rank and file en masse into the RD Congo to avenge these attacks. Yet, the UN is unambiguous in saying that the attacks were by the very rebellious M23 militia, which Rwanda is accused of covering the expenses of.
It is a common strategy, one which Winston Churchill allegedly desired to utilize to force the Americans into World War II. Pearl Harbour however was a more successful push for the Americans, and a pretty authentic Japanese sneak attack against the nation which sought to cut off their oil supply. In Syria, where a chemical attack which allegedly occurred, while tragic and aimed at spectators supposedly cheering on the Rebel side, some allege that rebels, seeing their gradual loss of territory, determined to assassinate their own civilian partisans to summons American cruise missile cloudbursts.
The RD Congo's minister for communication, said in a firm statement that it was his belief that Rwanda well knew who it was that was blasting munitions into their territory.
It is alleged that South African snipers have assassinated a total of 6 M23 militiamen. It is also alleged that in a few weeks a grand total of 2 South African Rooivalk attack helicopters, will be deployed lethally upon rebels in the RD Congo's east, where South African troops form part of the UN Mandate for the search and destroy mission against the M23 who are also RD Congo army deserters. These are not the claims of randomised rumours or media gossip, but the direct statement of Pikkie Greeff, the national secretary of the South African Defence Union, the organised labour representative of the soldiers fighting under the South African Constitution for the UN in the RD Congo. He made these sniper claims. He shot off about Rooivalk helicopters. Agence France Presse quoted him directly. (Update: The State Attorney has threatened a gag order against the SANDU national secretary, more below the press conference blow by blow.)
As I stated upon receipt of this information: Rooivalk is what the Americans call the Apache helicopter. Their designs are almost identical. Rooivalk is South Africa's terminator craft. The Rooivalk like an A.K. 47, is also requisite of very little maintenance to remain airborne and combatant. Unlike the Apache. And it can make a full 360 degree turn, again, unlike the American craft.
This morning, in response to this wild speculation from people on the ground and representing our great nation, the South African National Defence Force held a press briefing. In essence, the SANDF denied claims of snipers, and indirectly denied that Rooivalk were to be deployed, saying however that the UN had requested three of the terminator craft. They also went into non-serious injuries as they put these, which put South African soldiers in hospital. Subsequent to the press conference, the M23 went into a strategic withdrawal. Either read the blow by blow, and my commentary, or skip to below the press conference.
Chief of Joint Operations, Leutenant General Derrick Mgwebi spoke to the media for the SANDF.
The purpose of the #SAndfDRC briefing is to give an update on current developments and SANDF participation @Jacanews MV
— Jacaranda Newsteam (@Jacanews) August 30, 2013
The SANDF will shed light on the nature of the mission, situation update, and clarity on conflicting reports #SAndfDRC @Jacanews MV
— Jacaranda Newsteam (@Jacanews) August 30, 2013
Major issues covered would undoubtedly include claims made by the national secretary of the SANDU noted above: about South African sniper kills and Rooivalk Helicopters, I covered this as I awaited the reports to come in from such media briefing conference:
The Rooivalk is what was missing in our Central African Republic Fiasco when Islamist Seleka overthrew our allies there.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
The Rooivalk deployment is a game changer. Based on proportionality doctrine it is another sign that the conflict in DRC is to escalate.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
Denel Rooivalk - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://t.co/2G5GT9BMGl
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
apache vs rooivalk http://t.co/6WsZMQetJX
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
Either way expect full scale war in the DRC. South Africa does not deploy Rooivalk to any conflict. Clearly our intelligence agencies know.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
.@coolerme South Africa under United Nations is at war with M23. I have been predicting nothing barred war in DRC for days. I expect it.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
I was first to report on what was happening in Central African Republic. I did so based on military strategy inference. Be alert for DRC war
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
#SandfDRC Mgwebi: M23 launched rocket attacks on the FIB - 10 were wounded. One Tanzanian later died. 3 of 9 wounded are South African. BB
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: LT-Gen Derrick Mgwebi: We ask the media, as part of protectors of the public, to treat reporting on updates as sensitive information
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: LT-Gen Derrick Mgwebi: We are transparent in our information and updates to the public.
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
#SandfDRC questions - will Rooivalk be deployed? Truth to reports of SA sniper killing 6 rebel leaders? BB
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 30, 2013
.@ewnreporter report is of our snipers assassination six rebels. Whether leaders or not and whether one or more.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: eNCA asks: Are SA snipers involved? Is there truth to SA snipers killing M23 rebels? Will #SANDF constantly update the public?
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
#SandfDRC Mgwebi: the UN has asked for three Rooivalk. But the required documentation has not been signed off. BB
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 30, 2013
#SandfDRC Mgwebi: the ball is in the UN's court - they have to agree to the remuneration to the SANDF for that support. BB
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: LT-Gen Derrick Mgwebi: We have not provided snipers. We have been asked to provide a battalion.
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
So denials on both fronts, of reports. So either Agence France Presse et al are wrong, or South Africa is fighting a clandestine war also.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
#SandfDRC Mgwebi: there is air support - Ukraine-piloted Russian gunships have been deployed. BB
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 30, 2013
Everyone knows about the Ukrainien Russian built helicopters. But why would UN request three of South Africa's Rooivalk. Overkill ?
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: LT-Gen Derrick Mgwebi: The UN can, however, request that our battalion perform the skills of a sniper.
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: LT-Gen Derrick Mgwebi: We are doing our best to provide updates to the public.
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
Asking for Rooivalk NB. It is the game changer in any African conflict. 'UN' asking for it is overkill. We are not being told everything.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
South African troops might be performing sniper duties, but 'aren't snipers' according to the SANDF. But snipers requested of us. Overkill?
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
Unless something is about to happen on the ground or the UN wants to turn a war into a hunting party, Rooivalk and sniper battalions unusual
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
Mgwembi maintains the injuries of SA troops are minor - caused by shrapnel #SAndfDRC @Jacanews MV
— Jacaranda Newsteam (@Jacanews) August 30, 2013
Reports by SANDF continue claims South African injuries are minor. Serious enough to be in Hospital though? And gunshot wound reports?
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: Lt Gen Mgwebi: Part of what we are doing here today is us trying to counter the propaganda from rebel forces.
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: Lt Gen Mgwebi regarding a question about the end of the SA mission: The endgame will be decided by the Congolese.
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
SANDF essentially saying that South African troops are in DRC indefinitely, pending an end to the instability there.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
#SandfDRC Mgwebi: we are adequately equipped to be there, we have deployed a battalion - 850 men. BB
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 30, 2013
So SANDF are equipped to be employed upon the DRC quagmire. Unlike in CAR and contrary to opposition parliamentary claims of underfunding?
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: Lt Gen Mgwebi: Peacekeeping is not only a military issue, understanding is needed between DRC forces. A political solution is needed
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: eNCA asks: Is there any truth to rumours that the Rwandan Defence Force is helping M23 rebels in the DRC?
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: LT-Gen Derrick Mgwebi: We are not the ones to confirm rumours of the Rwandan Defence Force's support of M23 rebels in DRC.
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
SANDF refuses to confirm that DRC conflict has gone regional once again. Will not be bogged down by claims Rwanda is fighting for rebels.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
Rwandan troops once again accused of backing DRC's M23 rebels. - http://t.co/TQ9uz8JVpZ
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: LT-Gen Derrick Mgwebi: We leave it to the UN to confirm such rumours.
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
SANDF says: up to UN to confirm rumours of a Rwanda involvement. Shall the good General put on his UN hat and say so elsewhere? We are 'UN'.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: LT-Gen Derrick Mgwebi: We are taking this intervention very seriously.
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
#SANDF: LT-Gen Derrick Mgwebi: Whoever is firing on our soldiers, we will engage. This is part of the game and what we do to survive.
— eNCA (@eNCAnews) August 30, 2013
Just as in Central African Republic, where South African troops fired upon hostile child soldiers SANDF will fire upon Rwanda if fired upon.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
#SandfDRC Mgwebi: we have not been approached to use the Gripen, it's not ideal for this situation. BB
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 30, 2013
.@ewnreporter agreed. The Rooivalk is the weapon du jour for DRC, though unnecessary pending developments.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
at briefing today, South African general warns M23: don't think about taking Goma this time around.
— Geoffrey York (@geoffreyyork) August 30, 2013
And that is it for SANDF briefing. Denials our snipers are assassinating rebels... but not that our troops are sniping. Denial re Rooivalk
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
Talk of political solution, of our troops leaving being up to the DRC belligerent parties says immediate military solution seen as wishful.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
The refusal to comment on any Rwanda involvement but promise to fight any Rwandan interlopers speaks a lot. UN will base reports on RSA.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
The UN requests and inquiries for South African heavy support : sniper battalion and Rooivalk, suggest much picture is obscured by war fog.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
My inquiétude remains about the DRC intervention. The SANDF is not telling us the entire scope of events. Their actions speak volumously.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
The South African population in my view is being deceived about the events cascading in the DRC. The testimonies don't add up.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
.@coolerme South African servants of the military agencies of our state have been in and out of the RD Congo for decades though.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
I might need to lay a reminder for the imbeciles being 'retweeted' by Western media correspondents. In RD Congo RSA HAS UN mandate. #Syria
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
'Yet South Africa is bombing Goma' God save us from the blatant stupidity inherent in that false statement. A) We aren't bombing Goma. B) ..
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
If the M23 claims are to be believed then the responsibility for the civilian casualties in Goma lie squarely with Ukrainian peacekeepers.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
South Africa does not have helicopter gunships in RD Congo, yet, so please DO NOT blame our troops for alleged Ukrainian actions in the air.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
Update:
As a matter of some interest, I chatted with the national secretary of the SANDU on Twitter sometime after I wrote this article. He claimed that M23 overtures to peace after this article going to press, were the acts of keyboard warriors, who were, according to subsequent tweets and retweets by the man in question: covering up a retreat from superior forces from the global press corps.
.@PikkieGreeff, of the SADU, claims that M23 are retreating with their tails between their legs under a guise of pushing for peace. #DRC RDC
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
I still find DRC developments disquieting. Appearances can deceive. I truly hope that the keyboard wielding M23, are in fact on the run.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
@SACNSNew i don't claim it i say it.
— Pikkie Greeff (@PikkieGreeff) August 30, 2013
.@PikkieGreeff claim is another word I use for say. But I am glad to have a clear affirmation on it from you. Thank you.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
If is voice of those in the know perhaps I am wrong. Though actions of geo-politicians still suggest a hotting up of things. Peace perhaps.
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) August 30, 2013
Either way, a few days ago when I first raised the sirens of warning, there was no press consultation by the SANDF on these matters. The hands of regional players also appear to be acting in the unison of tug of war. A few strategic retreats and talk of peace, may well resemble many a ceasefire suggestion, as a strategic method of buying battlefield superiority via strategic breaks. I don't purchase as yet the concept that the sudden rise in geopolitical antics can be the precedence to peace, rather than the flexing of munitions for the sake of an increased escalation of hostilities. Unless M23 have cold feet for some reason now?
More concern comes from threats to gag the SANDU secretary:
After the event I again appraoched the SANDU secretary for information, I asked: is DRC won? Do our troops need Rooivalk and other notable support? Or is South Africa boarded on train to utter victory? The response was neither here nor there:
@SACNSNew no ops is ongoing. The Rooivalk is essential as back up.
— Pikkie Greeff (@PikkieGreeff) September 4, 2013
The SANDU figure was subsequently sent a letter threatening a gag order on the DRC.
Most interesting, I have just been threatened by State Attorney with a gag order on the DRC. Meeting lawyers later.
— Pikkie Greeff (@PikkieGreeff) September 16, 2013
I asked him about this some time afterwards:
. @PikkieGreeff any luck with opposing attempt to gag you on DRC?
— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) September 18, 2013
@SACNSNew letter to state attorney saying i have always and will always obey the law.
— Pikkie Greeff (@PikkieGreeff) September 18, 2013
So you will continue to fight for the boys in khaki by public releases of information you believe will assist their cause? I requested more information. The reply was again nondescript if anything:
@SACNSNew what do you think?
— Pikkie Greeff (@PikkieGreeff) September 18, 2013
I have not managed to be enlightened as to the exact status of the letter or much else. It seems Pikkie is keeping quiet on that.
RD Congo is also called Democratic Republic of Congo or DRC.
CAR is also called Central African Republic.