The Battle of Bangui: The inside story of South Africa's worst military scandal since Apartheid

The Battle of Bangui has assumed near mythical proportions within South Africa,and specifically in the African National Defence Force (SANDF). During thebattle that occurred March 2013, a small force crack troops engaged a7 000-strong Seleka rebel an effort to stem their advance on – capitalof politically unstable and resource-rich Central Republic (CAR). Over thecourse two days, fought number gallant actions andinflicted heavy casualties advancing forces. However, Africanscould not hold out indefinitely, especially against overwhelming odds after takingsome during ensuing fighting. Moreover, they soon found themselvessurrounded makeshift base Bangui, where were ultimately forced tonegotiate ceasefire with rebels. Following ceasefire, Africancontingent returned Africa, so began process trying make senseof rationale deploy SANDF CAR, what exactly happened duringthe so-called ‘Battle Bangui’. Most importantly, country, defence force, andthe respective families, had come grips unnecessary loss Africanlives seemingly distant corner Africa.