The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will use an upcoming debate in Parliament to demand answers on why South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members remain in armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The party said on Friday National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza approved its request for a debate on the unfolding crisis involving South African soldiers in DRC.

Last week 13 SANDF members were killed during combat in DRC.They were stationed as part of the Southern African Development Community and the United Nations peacekeeping deployments to the area and were engaged in intense combat over two days with the M23 rebel group near Goma, the provincial capital of the eastern DRC.

DA Defence and Military Veterans spokesperson Chris Hattingh said the past week had been nothing short of unprecedented in the country’s democracy.

“Our troops have been sent to the firing line of rebel groups, in what is no longer a peacekeeping mission - but full armed conflict. Thirteen service members have thus far lost their lives, with many more injured. We mourn and honour them,” said Hattingh.

He said the DA demanded answers on the advice the SANDF’s deployment was based on, and why the country’s troops were deployed without the required support, including air support.

The South African National Defence Union and other military experts had previously stated that there was a dire need for improved air support, medical facilities, logistical capabilities, and combat support, including crucial radar defence systems for the country’s troops in the DRC.

The party said it also wanted answers as to why South Africans learnt of the tragedy that unfolded on social media, instead of from the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, or President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“The mission in the DRC is etched in our history books, and we will use all powers of Parliament in ensuring accountability and preventing this disaster from ever happening again. Our troops and South Africans deserve no less,” said Hattingh.

Meanwhile, the DA believes Ramaphosa has landed the country in a “diplomatic crisis, witnessed in an embarrassing public spat with Rwanda”.

This after Rwandan President Paul Kagame stated that statements made by Ramaphosa following their conversation on the conflict contained distortion, deliberate attacks, and lies.