Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been reported pregnant.
These soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC, engaged in peacekeeping operations amid ongoing clashes with M23 rebels in the eastern region.
The pregnancies were identified during a recent assessment of personnel requiring medical evacuation. The evacuation process, which includes over 100 soldiers—some with serious injuries and others with medical conditions—has been initiated to ensure they receive appropriate care in South Africa.
The SANDF’s Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and maintaining discipline among its members. It requires soldiers to obey lawful commands, respect superiors, and uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, irrespective of race, gender, or culture. Engaging in activities that could compromise the mission or the reputation of the SANDF is considered a violation of this code.
Deployments, especially those extending up to 12 months, place significant strain on soldiers, often leading to challenges in maintaining personal conduct. Extended periods away from family and familiar environments can result in behaviors that may contravene military regulations and ethical standards.
Such actions not only affect the individuals involved but can also tarnish the image of the SANDF and undermine the objectives of peacekeeping missions.
The SANDF is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding these incidents to determine any breaches of conduct and to implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
Ensuring that all personnel adhere to the established codes of conduct is vital for the success of missions and the preservation of the SANDF’s integrity on international deployments.