JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's military trade union says most of the 200 South African troops in the Central African Republic have been withdrawn from the country where 13 died as rebels ousted the president.
Pikkie Greeff of the South African National Defense Union told The Associated Press yesterday that the biggest bulk of soldiers have been withdrawn and dropped off on the other side of border in Congo.
Military officials could not be reached for confirmation.
Most were at a memorial service where South African President Jacob Zuma said the soldiers had spilled their blood to promote peace in Africa.
Zuma has resisted calls from the union and the leading opposition party to withdraw the troops. He denied allegations they were deployed to protect business interests of his African National Congress.
Troops sent for peace
President Jacob Zuma says he sent S. African troops to Central African Republic to promote peace on the continent and denies allegations they were deployed to protect business interests of his African National Congress. Zuma on Tuesday told a memorial service for 13 South African troops killed in a battle against the rebels.
