SA-CAR framework agreement included energy and mines
We have not managed to squeeze a copy of the second Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between South Africa and the Central African Republic (CAR), signed in December 2012, out of the Department of Defence.
This, despite the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, pointing out that the MOU was not a classified document and should be in the public domain.
However, we do now have a copy of the "Framework Co-operation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Central African Republic", signed on 28 April 2006.
The agreement was valid for a period of two years, and could be renewed for a further two years, unless it was terminated, pending the creation of a "joint committee" to implement the agreement between South Africa and the CAR.
Surprisingly, the scope of the agreement includes not just "defence and security", but also "energy and mines".
In terms of the framework agreement the parties - in this case South Africa and the CAR - agreed that:
"Cooperation shall focus in the short term on sectors identified by the parties, notably in the following areas:
(a) defence and security;
(b) airline, road, maritime and inland waterway transport;
(c) energy and mines;
(d) capacity building in the public service."
The agreement clearly shows the intended scope of cooperation between South Africa and the CAR was not confined to "defence and security" but also included "mines and energy".
However, agreement does not amount to evidence that the SANDF were deployed in the CAR to protect business interests. Whatever the case, this will inevitably raise more questions about South Africa's real interests in the CAR.
In the end, the minister should end the run-around and immediately make all the documents - including the MOU's and Exchanges of Notes - between South Africa and the CAR available to the public.
Statement issued by David Maynier MP, DA Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, April 9 2013
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