We are not here for a political agenda, says the US Army
The US Army, which arrived in the province last week, has denied that it was here to protect government officials in the event of another insurrection.
Social media was abuzz with claims that the troops were in the country to aid the SANDF to protect government officials, in case of a “potential” coup against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Presidency, SANDF and the US Army have all denied these allegations.
Speaking on behalf of the US Army, Master Sergeant Dave Thompson in the Public Affairs Office with US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, said they discouraged all misinformation that might be circulating at the moment about what they were doing in the country.
“We are not here for any political agendas. We are solely here for the ‘Exercise Shared Accord’, which happens annually but not necessarily in one country but has been held in South Africa four times since its inception.”
Thompson said the training between them and the SANDF was extremely hard but they treasured the good relationships between the two countries.
“The exercise’s main effort is medical support to the local population and own forces, as well as military-specific drills. We learn together and it’s special because there are a lot of humanitarian projects involved, too,” said Thompson.
The “Exercise Shared Accord” was taking place in Richards Bay, where the US Army was based, together with the SANDF.
It was a multi-national peace support operation and humanitarian relief exercise conducted between the SANDF and the US Army’s Southern European Task Force, Africa, including New York National Guard personnel.
The EFF has been vocal about wanting Ramaphosa to step down, with its leader, Julius Malema, recently calling for the impeachment of the president over his alleged involvement in the Phala Phala farm saga.
“We seek impeachment ... Cyril must leave with nothing. He has violated the people of South Africa, he has violated his own party,” said Malema earlier in the week.
He claimed Ramaphosa had wanted to step down, but was being held back
by his faction within the ANC.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya referred questions to the SANDF.
Brigadier-general Andries Mokoena Mahapa, SANDF’S director in corporate communications, said their counterparts from the US were in the country for a joint multinational exercise.
“The name of the operation is ‘Exercise Shared Accord’, which started from 2011 to date, on an annual basis,” said Mahapa.
Asked if the SANDF was equipped to handle protest action or unrest such as the country had witnessed in July last year, Mahapa said the SA Army was not responsible for managing riots or protests.
“That is the responsibility of the SAPS. The SANDF only gets involved on request from the minister of police and we are in support to them,” he said.