STATEMENT BY SA NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE (SANDF) HEADQUARTERS PRETORIA: ASSISTANCE TO CÔTE D’IVOIRE

Date of Release: 10 June 2005
Embargo: None

Six members of the SA National Defence Force will leave today (Friday 10 June 2005) to Côte D’Ivoire to assist with the facilitation of the peace process in the country. These members are part of a larger team of 40 soldiers that will deploy to Côte D’Ivoire in July as part of a South African Military Advisory and Monitoring Team.

This deployment is in reaction to a request by the President of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki to the Minister of Defence, Mr. Mosioua Lekota to assist with the facilitation of the peace process in Côte D’Ivoire. The team will assist Mr. Sopuka, the Special Envoy appointed by President Mbeki, with the mediation of the peace process.

Specific tasks of this team of military experts will include liaison, assistance with planning as well as monitoring and verification tasks, which include a presence at all 11 Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration sites around the country.

ENDS

Issued by: Joint Operations Division
Private Bag X1043
Thaba Tshwane

Telephone: (012) 674-5496
083-630-9023

Inquiries: Col. Daan Boshoff