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Inside Eurosatory 2012

The Future of African Resource Security

Raytheon Tests the Excalibur Explaining Central Africa His fi shing boat has not put to sea for months. Piracy has blighted his livelihood and the economic cost to his region is devastating. THE AIRBUS C295. FOR HIM, IT MEANS A CHANCE TO GET HIS WAY OF LIFE BACK. The Airbus C295’s proven capabilities gives military and security forces a powerful weapon against drug and arms dealing, piracy and poaching. Carrying the latest imaging technology, it can detect targets day and night, whatever the weather. With a modular cabin layout it can switch quickly from transport to surveillance roles, act as a command centre or co-ordinate interventions. Helping to bring security to hard-to-reach places. See what the Airbus C295 means in an uncertain world at airbusmilitary.com

10813048.10195-AIR-Military_C295_Africa_297x210_AAFJ.indd 1 09/05/2012 11:28 African Armed contents

Forces 04 editorial

Editor: S J McIntosh 05 SITREP 11 industry news publishers: Africa Conflict & Defence Monitor 13 Feature articles PO Box 87561 INSIDE EUROSATORY 2012 Houghton, 2041 RAYTHEON TEST FIRES NEW 155MM PROJECTILE Republic of South Africa 20 GLOBAL ISSUES Tel: 011 487 3396 THE HUNT FOR JOSEPH KONY Fax: 086 269 3378 iTURI PERSPECTIVE: MONUSCO IN THE DRC [email protected] SECURITY CHALLENGES CONFRONTING SADC’S www.aafjournal.co.za NEW MINERAL BONANZA

printed by: 30 profiles and appointments Business Print Centre MINISTER OF DEFENCE: NOSIVIWE Pretoria NOLUTHANDO MAPISA-NQAKULA APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF OF THE SOUTH Subscriptions: AFRICAN AIR FORCE: GENERAL FABIAN 12 Months – 11 Issues: Local R290 Electronic ZIMPANDE MSIMANG R390 Print 32 book reviews International R290 Electronic THE GUN – THE STORY OF THE AK-47 €190 Print DINGO FIRESTORM: THE GREATEST BATTLE OF Online purchase available at: http://www.mysubs.co.za/African- THE Armed-Forces-Journal 36 Africa flashpoints LIBYA, NIGERIA, SUDAN The copyright in all materials printed in this journal is expressly reserved. 37 briefing room However, consideration will be given to any requests for the use by others 38 letters of news reports, articles and photo- graphs, on the condition that the source of the item is clearly stated.

Submitting copy: All contribu- tions to the journal are welcome. Articles may be emailed through to [email protected]. The pub- ISSN 0379-6477 lishers will exercise all care but do Cover Image: MONUSCO Blue Helmets return from a not accept responsibility for pho- patrol in Northeastern DRC. By Richard Stupart tographs and manuscripts. Edit- ing, changes to content and overall editorial control is done at the sole discretion of the editor.

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 03 mission The AAFJ is committed to providing its readership a quality service in order to stimulate and improve the defence debate in Africa.

Vision: To provide African military professionals a public platform to discuss issues of mutual interest.

Objectives: • Champion the role of professional editorial militaries within the context of the African Union in securing the peace he South African defence industry for a long time has followed a and security required for human long road in its efforts to maintain and develop a national asset but and economic development. despite all efforts little has been achieved. It is now no longer what • Advocate appropriate civil-military it was or could have been. relations, especially non-partisan T parliamentary oversight. The recently released consultative draft of the Defence Review proposes • Advance confidence and trust changes that obviously intend to address any short comings that existed in among African armed forces and the past and that might hamper efficient future marketing and also indicate a military professionals. close involvement in the industry by the National Defence Force. • Encourage the establishment of Reserve Officers’ Associations and The ministerial establishment of the National Defence Industry Council reserve components within armed (SADIC), a structure chaired either by the minister or secretary of defence forces. to assist and advise the defence industry of the correct routes to follow is • Enhance and improve the an important step for both co-operational and African and international readership’s level of professional military education. marketing. The introduction of this SADIC will provide direct access to top levels and will remove any doubts that may exist in respect of lack of co- • Promote and market the indigenous defence industry. operation that the industry may have experienced in the past.

In addition, the SADIC will help to ensure that strategic independence will advisory panel in future be retained as far as a supporting defence industry for the South Dr Martin Rupiya - Executive Director African National Defence Force is concerned. of The African Public Policy & Research Institute based in Pretoria. As South Africa’s major defence industry, a recent statement from Denel shows that long needed changes can be expected in their operating Prof Sibusiso Vil-Nkomo - Dean and procedures, in line with those suggested in the defence review. Professor - Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria The review provides a formula for the industry to follow and incorporates other departments that are essential to the success of the industry, support Maj Gen Keith Mokoape - General that in the past could have been greater and was indeed needed. Manager: SA Foundation, Chief of SA Army Reserve

Brig Gen Pieter Vosloo - Former SA Army Chief of Infantry Formation and former Deputy Chief Director SA Army Force Structure.

Prof Garth Shelton - Associate Professor of International Relations, Wits University

04 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 Sitrep sitrep A summary of defence reports

Militia disrupted Tripoli airport, grounding flights On Monday 4 June Tripoli International Airport was seized by ex-rebel militia, after their leader had been arrested. Attempts to negotiate a resolution were unsuccessful, although the militia was ultimately apprehended without prolonged fighting. A number were disarmed by the forces.

“The National Transitional The new Defence Works Formation flags are unfurled during the parade. Council is facing massive challenges SANDF Defence in reintegrating Works Formation Relaunches Itself different factions The Defence Works Formation held of the former- a flag hoisting ceremony and parade on 1 June. The new flags were rebel forces into a presented by Lt Gen JT Nkonyane peaceful society.” (GOC Support and Logistics) and overseen by acting GOC of Defence Works Brig Gen DJ Masters. Flights were not expected to resume The Defence Works Formation, for at least 24 hours because of the established in April 2011, is tasked damage caused to the airport’s with the maintenance, construction, infrastructure. The raid was carried management and procurement of out by gunmen who fired into the all Department of Defence assets. air and slightly wounded an airport The task is a monumental one, employee, causing panic among with considerable challenges in Lt Gen Nkonyane and Brig Gen Masters cut travelers, according to the official the ceremony’s cake. maintaining the large and spread out LANA news agency. DOD facilities to be overcome. The prime motive behind the militia’s The flag hoisting parade was attended Formation from all of its regional seizure of the airport was in seeking by members of Defence Works headquarters. an explanation for the arrest and

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 05 Sitrep

whereabouts of their leader, Abu Ajila Assegais, Drums & ANGOLAN WITHDRAWAL al-Habshi. It is important to note that Dragoons Launched FROM GUINEA BISSAU there was little to no political objective in Gauteng, South COMPLETED to the attack, and does not necessarily Africa By June 10, two Ilyushin IL 76 Candid indicate any larger trend of anti- (one on lease) and one Boeing 737 government activity. had completed transporting the Tripoli’s security commission, which last elements and equipment of the answers to the interior ministry, Missang Angolan defense cooperation said it had nothing to do with “the mission in Bissau. The remaining unit disappearance and abduction of was made of 96 “red berets”, an Abu Ajila al-Habshi” and that it incomplete company from the Special was still tracking those responsible. Forces HQ at Cabo Ledo, in the The ruling National Transitional Council northwest Angolan coast. Under the (NTC) had authorised the interior and command of Angola’s Lt. General Gildo defence ministries, who oversee a dos Santos, the Angolan withdrawal broad constellation of made started on 6 June, and the Luanda up of former rebels, to “use all means military were observed from shore by necessary, including force,” to retake Guinean marines, trained by Portugal. the airport. As a key member of the Community of The National Transitional Council Portuguese Speaking Countries CPLP), is facing massive challenges in Author Willem Steenkamp explains some of Portugal had suspended its military the history detailed in his book. reintegrating different factions of the protocols and large defense former-rebel forces into a peaceful support programmes with society. The Tripoli airport raid is a Guinea Bissau, as a sign of case in point of the difficulties which protest against the coup. they face. The total Angolan contingent Soldiers of 21 Conducting In January this year NTC forces had withdrawn numbered some 249 a Fighting in Built-Up Areas (FIBUA) demonstration to deploy to the town of Bani Walid military and police personnel. to quell a skirmish that had begun Its base in Bissau, located in the between former loyalists and current ex-Palace Hotel, will now house NTC militia. Forces were quickly the Angolan mission to Guinea deployed and calm restored without now downgraded to charge further clashes. Although flashpoints d’affaires status after the earlier in the aftermath of Qaddaffi’s ousting withdrawal of the Angolan still occurs, the NTC’s security services ambassador. The books displayed during the launch have been effective at ensuring they do not erupt into widespread unrest. Such militias secured many strategic The South African Infantry Association sites in Libya after they defeated launched the first in a series of books by “The withdrawal of Qaddaffi loyalists backed by NATO- Willem Steenkamp. Entitled Assegais, the Angolan troops led air strikes during last year’s Arab Drums & Dragoons, the book was Spring-inspired revolution. commissioned by the association and will help de-escalate With the attack on Tripoli Airport begins a historical examination of the tensions between occurring just weeks before elections Infantry of South Africa. are due to be held, the presence The launch took place in Eastern the soldiers and the of armed former-rebels in strategic Pretoria on the 6th of June, and copies people, who did not military sites remains a major problem. went up for a limited edition release. view the Angolan Books can be purchased from www. exclusivebooks.co.za troops favourably.”

06 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 Missang was generally popular obsolescence, lack of spares and helicopters from multiple sources, in Bissau, where it helped build deficient infrastructure, due to many including Russian built Mil-35 attack infrastructure and created jobs in causes, including underfunding types (though the chopper force is said supporting structures. Angola spent resulting from poor strategic choices. to be only 30-40% serviceable). A new nearly US$25 million in supporting Responding to these challenges, Cessna Citation surveillance plane, the Nigerian navy is substantially from the National Customs Service, is increasing its fleet of FPB’s, with 12 new also now training alongside the armed Manta MK II ASD (Singapore), Shaldag forces in anti-piracy operations. (Israel) and OCEA FPB 98 MKI (France) units, two helicopter carrying 1800 SÃO TOMÉ AND ton OPV’s (PRC and Chinese-Nigerian AFRICOM models, with contracts signed by April The Portuguese speaking archipelago 2012), the locally-made and designed nation of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) NNS Andoni (a revamped River Town is also a key placement for control class, serving also as a test bed for of operations in the Gulf of Guinea. A FAA BMP-2 being loaded in Bissau new types), and new special purpose Now entering the first phases of oil launches and tactical insertion crafts exploration, STP may add economic for the elite SBS unit. resources protection to other security modernization projects in the military needs. These and other matters and policing area, but was seen by were discussed between AFRICOM certain Guinean military chiefs as a “Nigeria has also head, General Carter Hamm, and “threat” to their own existence. STP President Pinto da Costa, in mid embarked on May 2012, when the US (again) THE NEW PIRACY an ambitious project visited the city of São Tomé, the CHALLENGE TO NIGERIA nation’s capital. The seriousness of the piracy situation for riverine military Hamm dismissed rumors that he in the Gulf of Guinea was discussed operations, acquiring was looking for more bases for his recently at a regional Libreville up to 200 small craft command, but confirmed that he meeting in Gabon, where increased had strategic talks with STP’s leaders, cooperation and calls for international (mostly US origin),...” due to the country’s location at the help (from AFRICOM amongst others), crossroads of several sea lanes of were made. A decision was taken to communication and close locality to increase joint patrols by the smaller several crisis areas. AFRICOM may regional navies. Nigeria is already Nigeria has also embarked on an install a node of its strategic military working with Benin (Task Group 11.1), ambitious project for riverine military studies centre in STP, in order to create while Cameroon cooperates with operations, acquiring up to 200 small special brainstorming teams and Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Back craft (mostly US origin), and has been permit pre-CI3 interfacing. The US also in February, Nigeria led the 12 nation modernizing and maintaining its main, (including US and EU) Obangame and more modern, aero naval assets Express exercise (off Malabar), to assist including 1 MEKO 360 (F89 Aradu) in reinforcing multi-task capabilities of frigate, two Vosper MK9 corvettes, 4 limited defense resources available in Agusta A109 helicopters and some the region. Aerostar UAV’s. Nigeria’s Navy Chief, Vice Admiral The presidency and the joint chiefs Sa’ad Ibrahim, also recently addressed of staff have also been insisting in the problem at a key speech at a increasing cooperation with Air Force seminar in Abuja on 24 May during dedicated assets, including two Navy Week. He recognized the state new ATR 42 Maritime patrol planes of disrepair of the national fleet, its (Franco-Italian) , and its almost 100 STP’s Archangel, delivered in 2010

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 07 Sitrep

supplied STP’s almost non-existent criticised as “too soft” in some stationed in neighboring Conakry). Coastal Guard with a 14 meter long quarters. The military rebels managed Angolan military Intelligence (SIM) FPB (Archangel) and installed 3 radars to maintain and consolidate its power, analysts continue to question why for maritime detection, under the even in the face of condemnation and Angolan VIP protection guards RMAC system. Additionally, STP sailors sanctions from the UN, AU, and the alongside their Bissau police have been training on US vessels, like Community of Portuguese Speaking counterparts failed in their mission the USS Simpson. Countries (CPLP). ECOWAS, decided to protect ex-PM and leading voted Although the archipelago has been to condemn the junta but at the same candidate Carlos Gomes Júnior (now seen as very “westernized” in security time recognised the new government in exile in Portugal). Júnior lived terms, and has kept good relations on a de facto, “realistic” basis. In late in front of the Angolan embassy in with Taiwan, it recently announced a May, it dispatched a multinational Bissau, and was reportedly protected grant of US$50 million from Iran. force which includes 600 military and by a mixed Guinean POP (Police) and police men from Nigeria, Burkina Angolan FAA (Armed Forces) detail. CAPE VERDE Faso, Senegal, Togo and the Ivory Indications are that the Guinean- RECONSIDERS ITS NAVAL Coast. The main ECOWAS base is in Angolan security detail only stopped NEEDS Cumere, 35 kms from Bissau, under and searched military marked vehicles, The small Western Africa archipelago the command of Colonel Major Barro while the force which attacked the nation of Cape Verde, another ex- Gnibanga, a Burkina Faso officer. The PM’s home wore civilian clothes and Portuguese overseas province, is used civilian vehicles. Other Angolan also looking seriously at maritime sources maintain that it was not the security. One reason for this is its key “Angolan military role of Angolan troops stationed there location (it used to be a main base to replace the statutory duties of the for anti-submarine patrol operations, Intelligence (SIM) Guinea police guarding the PM. used by US P3 Orion aircraft during analysts continue to the Cold War). In more recent times, APPOINTMENTS AND/ the Coastal Guard, under Lt. Colonel question why Angolan OR PROMOTIONS OF António Duarte Monteiro, has been VIP protection guards SENIOR OFFICERS IN benefitting from strong cooperation alongside their Bissau THE SANDF with the Portuguese and US navies, Approval has been granted for the including drills and marine infantry police counterparts appointments and/or promotions operations. It is now receiving the failed in their mission of the under mentioned officers modern revolutionary “axe bow” with effect from 1 June 2012 or Stanaxe 5009 Guardião P511, a naval to protect ex-PM with effect from the first day of the interceptor made in Holland, equipped and leading voted month following the dates the officer with modern sensors, communication reported to their new post, which ever packs and an automatic light cannon. candidate Carlos date is the latest: This is a small but useful addition to a Gomes Júnior (now in Brig Gen A.L. de Wit is appointed and minuscule fleet of 5 small FPB’s and one exile in Portugal).” promoted to the substantive rank of large FPB, equipped with a helipad, the Maj Gen as Chief Director Human Vigilante – a revamped Kondor 1 series. Resource Strategic Direction, Policy The navy also has 1 modern Dornier and Planning. MR plane, but suffers a lack of spares. ECOWAS contingent includes around Col L.K. Mbatha is appointed and 50 Nigerian policemen. promoted to the substantive rank THE ECOWAS RESPONSE At the same time, the Angolan defense of Brig Gen as TO THE GUINEA BISSAU cooperation mission was repatriated, Commanding at the Military Academy. COUP using one ship and four planes (eight Col M.J. De Goede is appointed and The response by ECOWAS on the flights in total) to transport some promoted to the substantive rank of illegal coup in Guinea Bissau which 250 men and heavy equipment back Brig Gen as Director Area Defence at took place in April 2012, has been to Luanda (although some are now SA Army Infantry Formation.

08 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 Clashes in Puntland In February 2012, al-Shabaab’s emir in the country’s mining terrain, making Tensions are rising in northeast Somalia Somalia, Ahmed Abdi aw-Mohamed, footprints in the Marange diamond following clashes between Puntland and al-Qaida’s leader, Ayman al- fields and right across the Great Dyke forces, backed by security company Zawahiri, released a joint video to into remote areas. In Marange, the Saracen International, and local militias formally announce a merger of the two army, police, intelligence and prisons loyal to Raas-Casayr state. Local sources organizations. services have direct mining claims. reported that there is a growing build- The State Department stressed that Retired and also serving security up of arms and troops at Bargal town the al-Shabaab organisation’s terrorist personnel sit on the boards of various inside Barri region between rival regional activities pose a threat to the stability of mining companies. administrations of Puntland and Raas- East Africa and to the national security Security forces have mainly entered Casayr state in northeast Somalia. interests of the United States. The US into partnerships with Chinese and Farah Mohamud Dooha-Joog, the Secretary of State named al-Shabaab Russian companies which bring in president of Raas-Casayr state, stated a Foreign Terrorist Organisation under capital as well as expertise. that his troops warded off an attack from Section 219 of the Immigration and The Defence Forces (ZDF), Puntland army against the territories of Nationality Act on February 26, 2008, which brings together the army Raas-Casayr state on 5 June, saying the and a Specially Designated Global and the air force, is involved in a intention of the attack was to ‘intimidate Terrorist entity pursuant to Section 1(b) partnership with Chinese firm, Anjin, the local people and loot the mineral of Executive Order 13224 on February in mining diamonds in Marange, resources’, as he put it. 29, 2008. while the Zimbabwe National Army Puntland officials said they entered The seven individuals named above (ZNA) has embarked on a platinum the area to fight the pirates at Bargaal are key leaders of the al-Shabaab mining project in Ngezi with another town of Barri region, but not to attack terrorist organisation. Aw-Mohamed, Chinese company, Sinodrill. Raas-Casayr state. Locals say there was born July 10, 1977, in Hargeysa, is the The ZDF is also heavily involved in a military movement that both sides operational commander of al-Shabaab joint ventures in the Chegutu-Selous continued in and around Bargaal town. in Somalia. Jama is a key leader area as well as in diamond mining and (Shabelle Media Network 6 June) from Somaliland who helped form explorations of new gold deposits in the Harakat Shabaab al-Mujahidin Matabeleland North and South. US Offers Rewards movement and reportedly trained and According to a February 2012 Global for AS Leaders fought in Afghanistan. Khalaf, a dual Witness report entitled ‘Diamonds: For the first time, the Department’s Somali and Swedish national, has raised A Good Deal for Zimbabwe’, Rewards for Justice program is offering funds for the organisation and helped the presence of several serving rewards for information on seven key direct attacks in Somalia. Mahamoud, security personnel on the boards leaders of the Somalia-based al-Shabaab believed to have been born between of companies mining diamonds in terrorist organization, also known as 1979 and 1982, is an al-Shabaab Chiadzwa, presented opportunities Harakat Shabaab al-Mujahidin. military commander and coordinator for the diversion and abuse of The US Department of State has for al-Qaida operations in Somalia. funds. Anjin board members include authorized a reward of up to US$7 Robow, born in 1969, has served as Martin Rushwaya, the permanent million for information leading to the an al-Shabaab spokesperson and also secretary in the Ministry of Defence, location of al-Shabaab founder Ahmed has also served as the group’s spiritual as well as Abdi aw-Mohamed; up to US$5 million leader. Hersi acts as al-Shabaab’s head commissioners, Oliver Chibage each for information leading to the of intelligence. Yare is the head of al- and Nonkosi Ncube. The principal location of his associates Ibrahim Haji Shabaab’s media operations, and is officer and company secretary of Jama, Fuad Mohamed Khalaf, Bashir also deputy to Aw-Mohamed. Anjin, Charles Tarumbwa, and non- Mohamed Mahamoud, and Mukhtar (US Dept of State 7 June) executive board members, Morris Robow; and up to US$3 million each Masunungure and Romeo Daniel for information leading to the location Security Forces in Mutsvunguma, all have links with the of additional al-Shabaab leaders Mining Ventures military. Zakariya Ismail Ahmed Hersi and The security sector, particularly the (Zimbabwe Independent, 18 May) Abdullahi Yare. army, is increasingly maneuvering into

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 09 Sitrep

Lion Effort 2018 miles in size and largely over the Baltic conflict occurring throughout the Could be in South Sea. Two waves of Gripens launched country in the wake of the Libyan war. Africa every day, with Blue forces operating Fighting had reportedly halted by 18 Exercise Lion Effort, the multi-national from the southwest against Red forces June 18h in the Nafusa Mountain Range, Gripen capability exercise generally in the northeast. One of the sides would with Government forces responding held in Europe, could potentially be defend an area whilst the other would quickly and restoring order to the region. held and hosted by the South African try and attack, before the sides switched The clashes pitted fighters from the town Airforce in South Africa, in 2018. The roles and repeated the exercise. of Zintan, who played a significant role exercise is held once every three years Hosting Exercise Lion Effort in South in ousting Gaddafi, against members of and involves/invites all nations currently Africa is beneficial for both European the El-Mashashia tribe, who chose not to flying the Gripen multirole fighter. Gripen operators and South Africa, as join last year’s rebellion, Reuters reports. The announcement was made by SAAF the latter will enjoy the prestige and Resentment between the two groups General Marthie spilled over into Visser in an interview with fighting in December DefenceWeb, where she 2011 and erupted was also quick to add that again when a Zintan the exercise’s 2018 location fighter was shot dead. was not as yet confirmed. Zintan’s militias blamed However, the prospect of the El-Mashashia tribe hosting Lion Effort in 2018 and retaliated, several would be an encouraging members of the tribe indication of the value said. which South African pilots The Nafusa Mountain have added in 2012’s Lion Range represented a Effort Exercise. major front in the Libyan

During the recent exercise S aab G roup War, with local tribal

held in Sweden, members The Gripen-exclusive exercise could well be hosted in South Africa in 2018, elders outright refusing of 2 Sqn and its support placing the spotlight firmly on the SAAF and its capabilities. monetary incentives by elements acquitted Gaddaffi’s forces to lay themselves very well in the several stage respect in its ability to command and down their arms. The war resulted in a exercises held. In basic aerial combat, coordinate such an exercise, while the series of gains and losses for both sides, for example, SAAF pilots achieved a former member nations are able to gain until a Tunisian-supplied rebel force very high kill ratio. valuable experience in non-temperate ultimate broke out of the region with aid According to DefenceWeb, the South flight climate and conditions, which can from NATO air strikes. African contingent consisted of 29 be valuable in understanding the Gripen Libya as a whole has deeply-rooted tribal members from 2 Squadron and eleven operating context in warmer climates in factions which often oppose and clash support staff, who arrived in Sweden which they could potentially be deployed with each other. However, the friction on March 25. As the SAAF’s last four in military or humanitarian interventions. caused between urban and rural Libyans Gripens were held back in Sweden Even the consideration of South Africa has also added a new layer into the for the exercise, they were the first for hosting this event is remarkable, and post-conflict instability of the country. foreign element to arrive at Ronneby. bodes well for the SAAF, who have just With large populations of armed rebels Familiarisation flights started on March ushered in new leadership. moving far from their tribal homelands, 28, although these did include visual the potential for crises has been identification (VID) exercises, 1 vs 1 Further conflicts in complicated on top of the inevitable and 2 vs 2 air-to-air engagements, and Libya erupt post-war authority vacuum. close air support (CAS) missions. The A large outbreak of violence in Western Libyan elections are set to be held on main combat portion of the exercise Libya erupted on 11 June, resulting in 7 July 2012, although it is possible this took place between April 1 and 4, in over 100 deaths. The recent violence will be further delayed, at the risk of an operational area 70 by 200 nautical is another bullet point in the ongoing additional violence and protest.

10 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 industry news industry news Developments in the sector

The presentations often touched on BAE SYSTEMS SECURES African Industry News important topics pertaining to the €12.5 MILLION VEHICLE recently-released Draft Defence Review FOLLOW ON CONTRACT Land Forces Africa for the Department of Defence and FROM FINLAND Held in Gauteng, SANDF, such as arms industry priorities, BAE Systems secured a contract for South Africa equipment and systems integration more than €12.5 million ($15.7 million The Land Forces Africa defence and interoperability throughout USD) to supply 25 RG32M mine- exhibition was held from 28-30 May Southern Africa, and also broadened hardened armoured patrol vehicles at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, South its scope to future strategic issues such to the Finnish Defence Forces. This Africa. The three day event included as post-conflict reconstruction and contract follows Finland’s previous a floor of local defence systems and development, future warfare planning, orders for 26 vehicles in 2010 and 23 equipment manufacturers, as well as and procurement considerations for the vehicles in 2011. larger multinational companies such as future SANDF. BAE Land Systems and Saab. The event was organised by events Also included in the programme was company Spintelligent, which will a three-day series of presentations on be orchestrating a maritime security “Manufactured by BAE various defence-related issues relating conference in Cape Town later in 2012. Land Systems South Africa, the RG32M “The presentations provides a cost effective often touched on solution with flexibility important topics to meet a number pertaining to the of requirements and recently-released Draft demands through Defence Review reconfigurable mission- for the Department specific communication of Defence and and weapon systems.” SANDF,…”

The RG32M is an all-purpose, mine- to South Africa. The speakers included hardened vehicle with integrated Lt Gen Masondo, C SA Army, Brig Gen ballistic protection for convoy support, Drost, and Brig Gen Smith, General infantry patrol and reconnaissance Officer Commanding of 43 Brigade in missions. Manufactured by BAE Land the SA Army. BAE L and S ystems Systems South Africa, the RG32M The BAE Land Systems RG32M

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 11 industry news

provides a cost effective solution “Navistar previously delivery of the Wedgetail capability. 2 with flexibility to meet a number Squadron now has a full complement of requirements and demands fielded 970 of aircraft and additional capability that through reconfigurable mission- RPG net kits for the will enable Initial Operational Capability specific communication and weapon to be declared later this year,” said Air systems. Crew and vehicle survivability MaxxPro family of Vice-Marshal Chris Deeble, program is enhanced through applied systems, vehicles to support manager, Collins and Wedgetail, engineering techniques and by utilising Defence Materiel Organisation. BAE Systems’ unrivalled experience Afghan operations.” “Delivering the last aircraft into the from vehicle operations in Africa and the Wedgetail fleet is the result of hard Middle East, in addition to rigorous and The new kits will be fitted onto MaxxPro work, dedication and collaboration by systematic field-testing in South Africa, units operating in theatre. Delivery is the Boeing-led team and our Australian Sweden, the UK and the Middle East. scheduled to begin in August 2012 and customer in bringing this powerful air There are currently 200 RG32M vehicles be completed by the December 2012. battle management system -- the first of in service with the Swedish Armed Source: Navistar International Corp. its type -- to the RAAF,” said Rick Heerdt, Forces as well as 27 light tactical versions AEW&C vice president for Boeing. in service with the Irish Defence Forces. Boeing Delivers Final Boeing has also delivered all ground Deliveries will start in April 2013 and are Wedgetail AEW&C segments to support the fleet, which expected to be completed in July 2013. Aircraft to Australia is based at RAAF Base Williamtown in Newcastle, Australia. “Through the Australia-based Wedgetail One Team, Boeing is working together international Industry News with the RAAF AEW&C System Program Office and No. 42 Wing to provide Navistar Defense the best value-for-money engineering, Awarded $59M For maintenance, training and supply MRAP RPG Nets support and the highest levels of Navistar Defense, LLC today received aircraft availability to meet the RAAF’s a contract from the US Army for $59 operational needs,” said Heerdt. million to deliver 1,357 rocket propelled Based on the Boeing Next-Generation grenade (RPG) net kits for Mine Resistant 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 Ambush Protected (MRAP) units in AEW&C aircraft is designed to provide Afghanistan. airborne battle management capability RPG nets provide additional protection with an advanced multirole electronically against the anti- weapon of the same scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art name. Navistar previously fielded 970 mission crew consoles that are able RPG net kits for the MaxxPro family of to track airborne and maritime targets vehicles to support Afghan operations. simultaneously. The mission crew can direct offensive and defensive

T he B oeing C ompany forces while maintaining continuous The Boeing AEW&C surveillance of the operational area. Boeing also has delivered three Peace The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] on Eye AEW&C aircraft to the Republic May 2 delivered the sixth and final of Korea, with one more scheduled for Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and delivery later this year. Turkey’s first Peace Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Royal Eagle AEW&C is on plan for delivery by Australian Air Force (RAAF). the end of the year. “I would like to congratulate Boeing in Source: The Boeing Company (NYSE: The Navistar Special Operations and Tactical achieving another key milestone in the BA) Vehicle and Saratoga (fltr) respectively

12 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 FEATURE ARTICLE

The testing of a new guided 155mm shell feature in the G6 wheeled system opens article: up new possibilities, and markets, for states RAYTHEON TEST seeking new support technologies in their FIRES NEW 155MM defence forces. PROJECTILE

the G6 155 mm wheeled howitzer out to a range of 38 kilometres (23,6 miles), with all rounds landing within 5 meters (16,4 feet) of the target, Raytheon said in a statement. According to Kevin Matthies, the Excalibur programme director for Ray- theon Missile Systems, “These trials demonstrated Excalibur can give a true precision capability to G6 howitzers that can enhance the warfighter’s de- fensive posture,”. This is due to the fact that the Ex- calibur projectile, a product of a joint US-Swedish development programme, which was first successfully fielded in theatre during 2007 by the US Army and Marine Corps, provides a whole host of advantages in comparison to conven- tional 155mm projectiles.

n a press release on the 8th of May, these being the South African Defence Greater Precision Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) re- Force (SANDF), the UAEs’ Union De- Capabilities Ivealed that it had successfully test fence Force (UDF), and lastly the Sultan These advantages arise from the fact fired 4 of its ‘Excalibur’ 155mm artil- of Oman’s Armed Forces (SOAF). On the that the Excalibur system is a precision- lery projectiles from the G6 Rhino, the other hand the G5 towed howitzer, upon guided, autonomous artillery round self- propelled howitzer manufactured which the G6 ‘Rhino’ is based, has been with extended range capabilities. The in South Africa by Denel Land Systems. slightly more successful as it has been precision guidance system it is equipped This was conducted during a field trial exported to Iran, Malaysia, Saddam with uses a combined Global Positioning demonstration of the ‘Excalibur’ projec- Hussein’s Iraq, and Qatar, while also re- System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation tiles for an undisclosed customer. How- maining in service with the SANDF. System (INS) to engage targets with a ever, there are only three armed forces Four rounds of the combat-proven maximum circular error probable (CEP) in the world that use the G6 system, Excalibur were successfully fired from of around 10 metres, which far exceeds

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 13 FEATURE ARTICLE

conventional 155mm projectiles with while expending fewer rounds, which in vehicle, powered by an air-cooled diesel an average CEP of between 200 to 300 turn lessens the burden of logistics. engine through a six-speed automatic metres, at moderate ranges. In fact, it gearbox. The maximum speed of the G6 is so successful, that the initial combat The G6 Artillery System- A is 85km/h on road, and around 30km/h experience with Excalibur in Iraq in the Battlefield Game Changer in off-road conditions. Furthermore the summer of 2007 saw 92% of rounds With the G6 Artillery system, there are G6’s armoured turret and hull provide falling within 4 metres of the target. a number of features which make it a protection against small arms fire, shell ‘Excalibur’ projectiles come in two noteworthy artillery platform. To start splinters, landmine explosions and, in the variations - the ‘standard’ format known with it was developed and refined by vital 60 frontal arc, against 20mm attack. Additionally, the shape and armour thickness of the chassis hull allows it to “Four rounds of the combat-proven Excalibur withstand at least three mine detonations were successfully fired from the G6 155 (against a TM46 antitank landmine or equivalent) before being immobilized. mm wheeled howitzer out to a range of 38 On top of this the G6, first introduced kilometres (23,6 miles), with all rounds landing in 1987, is a combat proven system. It was successfully used, although to a within 5 meters (16,4 feet) of the target.” limited extent, by South African troops at the battle of Cuito Cuanavale in as Block Ia-1, and the ‘extended range’ South Africa primarily to support rapidly 1987/88 during the Angolan bush format as Block Ia-2. Excalibur’s Block advancing mechanised infantry and war. With its combat credibility, the la-1 projectile has a range of around armoured divisions. This is something G6 ‘Rhino’ is arguably one of the most 23,000 metres while the extended it excels at, due to the fact that the powerful self-propelled howitzers in the range Block la-2 projectiles can achieve onboard gyro-controlled navigation and world, primarily due to its ability to fire between 40,000 and 57,000 metres, automatic laying systems enable the gun 155mmm projectiles out to a maximum depending on configuration. Both to be brought into action independently range of 52,500 metres with Denel’s projectiles possess folding glide fins within 60 seconds of stopping and special velocity-enhanced Long Range which allow the projectile to glide from then move off 30 seconds after firing, Projectile (V-LAP). the top of a ballistic arc towards the thus presenting an elusive target. It is target. This allows Excalibur to achieve additionally fully compatible with NATO New Upgrade Technology a near-vertical angle-of-attack, which is standard 155-mm ammunition and has a However Denel’s latest versions of the ideal for achieving precision effects in direct fire range of 3000 metres (using G6 which were launched in 2003, known urban or complex terrain. Lastly Excalibur a Frag-HE round). Used together with as the G6-52 and the G6-52 Extended is fitted with a fragmenting warhead with the specially developed modular charge Range (ER) Platform, includes features concrete penetration capability, closely ammunition system, the 45-calibre such as a reduced crew, much greater coupled to a multifunction fuze that gun provides accurate coverage of a achievable ranges, nearly 70 kph off- provides height-of-burst (HOB), point target zone of more than 1000 square road top speed and Multiple Rounds detonating (PD) and point-detonate kilometres, without change of position. Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) technology. delay (PDD) fuze settings. Under combat conditions the G6 carries Notably the G6-52 ER has successfully All told therefore the ‘Excalibur’ 64 complete rounds on board, but can test fired a 155mm V-LAP projectile projectile is an ideal tool in almost be easily resupplied via an ammunition out to range of 73,000 m. However, any modern battlefield as it is able to shoot located at the rear of the vehicle, even the older G6’s, of which there are successfully defeat specific point targets from an external ammunition supply approximately 43 in service with the while avoiding damage to surrounding vehicles and its crew. The G6 is equipped SANDF, is still a highly capable long structures, non-combatants and friendly with an electronically controlled hydraulic range artillery system. forces at extended ranges. It is this flick rammer that provides an initial rate Stephen Burger, the CEO of Denel ability to minimise collateral damage of fire of 3 rounds per minute. Land Systems said that, “The G6 was which provides commanders with the High mobility is ensured by the ahead of its time when it was first flexibility to engage at the tactical level, permanent six-wheel drive purpose-built launched in 1987,” and that, “Through

14 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 our continuous research and investment sensing component of their in the gun we have ensured it remains THAAD ABM system, on which ahead of the pack as the most versatile Raytheon was an important and reliable artillery system in its class.” sub-contractor. All told, the combination of the extensive capabilities of the Denel G6 Implications For ‘Rhino’ self-propelled howitzer, and the Denel Raytheon ‘Excalibur’ ammunition are The only potential drawback in set to even further increase the combat the entire process could be as effectiveness of the two systems. The far as Denel’s new munitions G6’s high mobility, speed, rate of fire company is affiliated. The and ease of use, combined with the D efence W eb company, Rheinmetall Denel ‘Excalibur’s’ phenomenal accuracy could Munition (RDM) was created prove to be a massive windfall for any surface-to air missile (SAM) systems, 60 on 1 September 2008 when Rheinmetall of the three militaries which currently UH-60M armed transport helicopters, 12 Waffe Munition GmbH of Germany operate the G6 System. C-130J-30 and 6 C-17 transport aircraft, acquired a 51% share in certain parts 3 A-330 MRTT tanker/transport aircraft of Denel’s munitions manufacturing Identifying The Client and 6 Baynunah corvettes, as well as up facilities. All propellants, heavy calibre Although Raytheon was unwilling to to 50 Pantsyr-S1 air defence systems, ammunition and pyrotechnics are now name who they were test firing the 2 Falaj-2 corvettes and a frigate. One manufactured by RDM. ‘Excalibur’ ammunition for, it would other key purchase was the Terminal The most obvious drawback would appear that of the three countries that High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) be that if the UAE was to begin using operate the system, the UAE is the most anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system, of ‘Excalibur’ projectiles, a percentage likely. This is simply because over the which the UAE now has three. share of RDM’s artillery ammunition past decade the UAE has accounted for Clearly even if most of the market share in the UAE would decline. more than half the arms imports into the expenditure has been earmarked for However, it seems unlikely that the gulf region, according to the Stockholm purchasing new capital equipment, UAE would suspend all conventional International Peace Research Institute there will still be sufficient financing to 155mm projectile purchases from RDM. This is because it is important to recognise that in spite of all the benefits “...there will still be sufficient financing to the ‘Excalibur’ projectiles offer, they purchase ‘Excalibur’ ammunition for the still are subject to certain limitations. The three most important limitations considerable number of 78 G6’s the UAE which prevent ‘Excalibur’ projectiles UDF currently operates.” from completely excluding traditional 155mm projectiles are most likely to be cost, production volumes and the high (SIPRI). This is reflected in the fact that purchase ‘Excalibur’ ammunition for level of sophistication required in order the UAE has a defence budget of US$ the considerable number of 78 G6’s to effectively utilise the ammunition to 15, 7 billion in 2010, ranking it as the the UAE UDF currently operates. This its fullest potential. 18th largest global defence budget. also seems highly likely due to the close As such Raytheon only produces Most of this expenditure has been working relationship the UAE has with somewhere in the region of 1000 to assigned to contracts for the delivery of both the US government, and Raytheon. 2500 projectiles per year, of which the 62 Mirage-2000-9 combat aircraft from In fact, Raytheon has enjoyed extensive majority will still go to the US Army and France and 80 F-16E combat aircraft dealings with the UAE, with the company Marines. In addition these projectiles from the US which were completed in selling the UAE UDF 2 AN/TPY-2 radars cost in the region of US$ 80,000 per 2005–2008. However in 2008–2009, in 2011, which Raytheon claims is the projectile, excluding the propellant the UAE acquired 30 AH-64D combat world’s most advanced forward-looking charge, although this is set to decrease to helicopters, as well as numerous Patriot mobile radar system, and is a key somewhere in the region of US$ 50,000

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 15 FEATURE ARTICLE

when they go into full production. customers such as the UAE purchasing for automatic target acquisition and Finally these factors are coupled ‘Excalibur’ ammunition, as there will still engagement by an Explosively Forged with the fact that ‘Excalibur’ requires remain a need for standard ammunition, Penetrator (EFP). After the sub- modern war fighting capabilities, such which although lacking the precision munitions are expulsed from the shell as Raytheon’s Advanced Field Artillery of ‘Excalibur’ projectiles, is still a cost case, opening parachutes and arm the Tactical Data System (AFATDS) and its effective alternative under most combat warheads, each weapon scans a specific Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery conditions. Undoubtedly therefore RDM sector in a spiralling pattern, as it auto- Fuze Setter (EPIAFS). EPIAFS can will continue to supply the bulk of this rotates under a parachute, scanning the be used in non-digitised howitzers standard ammunition to the UAE, as area underneath it with IR and mm radar provided that Raytheon’s Portable well as an extensive client base of the or millimetre wave radiometer sensor. Excalibur Fire Control System (PEFCS) NATO member states, Asia, the Middle Once positive indication of a target is which allows EPIAFS to integrate with a East, South America and Africa. provided by both sensors, an aim point fire control system is used instead of the In addition, due to the fact that the G6 is calculated and the EFP is activated, AFATDS. Additionally ‘Excalibur’ is only ’Rhino’ fires a NATO standard 155mm attacking the target from above. most effective in theatres of operation shell, RDM was never guaranteed Crucially, the shell requires no pre- which enjoy the presence of unhindered an exclusive contract with any of the firing preparation and is capable of Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV’s) to existing G6 operators, by virtue of identifying targets autonomously, ensure precise target observation and being a sole supplier of a specialised meaning it can be fired from virtually acquisition. This is something which calibre ammunition. However, although any 155mm howitzer. Incidentally in a the US Military can provide extensively losing out to Raytheon in the precision recent test, SMart ammunition was fired in the theatres in which the ‘Excalibur’ munitions market, RMD is still able to from a UAE G6 self-propelled howitzer projectiles are being used, such as compete with Raytheon as far as the and scored a kill rate of 67 percent of Afghanistan, but which other armed newer G6-52, and G6-52 ER systems the armoured targets engaged during forces may not be able to do quite so are concerned as it is only RDM that the demonstration. effectively. produced the extra extended range Therefore it seems unlikely that should Therefore the competition between V-LAP round which give the newer G6’s the UAE purchase ‘Excalibur’ projectiles Raytheon and RDM is unlikely to the ability to conservatively engage from Raytheon, that RDM and Denel significantly disrupt RDM’s market share. targets up to 52,500 m away from their specifically would suffer any major This is because even though Raytheon firing point, in comparison to even the setbacks in terms of either market share Missile Systems ‘Excalibur’ Ammunition Block la-2 extended range ‘Excalibur’ or their bottom line. is generating significant sales volumes, projectiles with their maximum 56,000 Ultimately, however, the overall accounting for most of its recorded $180 metre operating range. impact of the combination of the G6 million of operating income in the first Lastly, Rheinmetall Waffe Munition weapon platform and the Raytheon quarter of 2012 compared to $155 GmbH, the major shareholder in RDM ‘Excalibur’ ammunition is likely to million in the first quarter of 2011, it is has already begun producing its own significantly improve the capabilities of only sold to a narrow customer base precision guided artillery projectile, an already outstanding artillery system, at the moment. So much so that most known as the DM702, 155mm-SMart while in addition offering a whole host of this income comes off the back of projectile. Although it differs slightly of new advantages to those who are significant orders such as the one the US from Raytheon’s ‘Excalibur’, the SMart looking at Denel Land Systems G6-52, Army placed in 2010 to the tune of $173 projectile still offers many of the features and G6-52 ER, as potential additions million. On top of the bulk of Raytheon’s found on ‘Excalibur’ projectiles. The to their armed forces. Combining Excalibur Ammunition going to the difference between the two, however, high levels of accuracy and extended US Army and Marines, the only other is that SMart projectiles are primarily range capabilities, in a highly mobile operators of the ‘Excalibur’ ammunition designed to engage both stationary configuration is likely to see new at present are Sweden and Canada, with and mobile armoured units, as customers for the South African made Australia and Norway awaiting approval opposed to a set of coordinates like G6, and the US-Swedish ‘Excalibur’ of their sales requests. an ‘Excalibur’ projectile does. Each ammunition, as well as providing greater Therefore RDM is unlikely to be SMart 155 munition is composed of two flexibility and firepower to the three significantly impacted by any new sensor fused sub-munitions designed existing G6 operators.

16 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 FEATURE ARTICLE

The Eurosatory exhibition in Paris feature highlighted the divide between article: high-tech militaries and practical, low- INSIDE technology-minded EUROSATORY 2012 developing nations.

of the most cutting edge systems in global defence today, from robotic exoskeletons, air-transportable special operations vehicles, and anti rocket systems, through to lightweight power generators, guided artillery shells, .50cal gatling guns, and a variety of vehicle and armour systems suited for virtually any conceivable conflict situation. That said, the African component of Eurosatory was a poignant reminder of the low-tech environment in which

Delegates arriving in their masses at Eurosatory 2012

rom 10 to 15 June over 50 000 visitors from virtually every coun- “Exo-skeleton infantry Ftry in the world descended upon systems, while Paris, France, for the Eurosatory De- fence Exhibition. With 1433 exhibitors technically impressive, at the show grounds, Eurosatory repre- are of minimal value sents one of the largest defence-related conferences to occur on a regular basis. in the African conflict Exo-skeleton infantry systems, while The exhibition itself represents some technically impressive, are of minimal value in environment.” the African conflict environment.

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 17 FEATURE ARTICLE

African militaries must thrive. High-tech “... stalwart thermal/nightvision hybrid optics are of little use in most African armouries, local industries considering the AK47, HK G3, and that did other small arms still used in the continent are generally not employed participate with any major technology beyond included a shoulder strap and tape around a Truvelo second magazine of ammunition. RPG- defeating laser systems for use on main Armoury, battle again are of little use when who were the technical complexities of operating armoured formations are barely showcasing considered in many African countries. its high-grade Thus there were large portions of the show that simply were not marketed or precision UAE large national pavilion, one of the new defence industry entrants. designed for African use. sniper rifles.”

at Africa Aerospace and visitors to network and meet with Defence in South Africa businesses. Acmat, an armoured in September. truck and vehicle manufacturer linked The absence of the with Renault Trucks Defense, held Denel Group or any an impressive court in the outside South African pavilion section of the exhibition. With clients was quite conspicuous, throughout Africa, Acmat has drawn as the lack of African defence industry par- ticipants was certainly “A corner-shot a cause for question. mount for a pistol, for That said, stalwart lo- cal industries that did example, was easily African Armed Forces Journal was present, but many other participate included trumped by another significant African industry members were sadly not. Truvelo Armoury, who exhibitor on the were showcasing its high-grade precision other side of the hall Although exceptions certainly sniper rifles, Reutech, Grintek Ewa- showcasing a simple existed. Hesco, for example, was tion, and in separate booths were Ze- showcasing its range of cheap and bra Armour showcasing their ballistic reflector optic that easy-to-assemble mesh and canvas protection equipment. Although offi- mounts directly onto fortification and fencing systems, cial African delegations were certainly which are of obvious use to militaries present, including the South African any rail-system.” in Africa looking towards great disaster ambassador, the show was clearly response efforts, whether climate or dominated by international compa- humanitarian. Utilising simple, cheap nies and systems. a lot of interest for its refreshingly materials instead of complicated and Situated around two interior halls simple-to-operate systems, which is technically-difficult systems proved and one exterior, the exhibition did key in successful operation throughout a key success in marketing to African encompass a broad array of companies, the continent. nations historically. Hesco will also be while allowing for delegates and Another interesting feature of

18 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 Eurosatory 2012 was that of the “The absence of the systems for the same use, as witnessed Special Forces targeted systems. by the plethora of pistol and non-lethal With significant discretionary Denel Group or any ammunition suppliers. A corner-shot budgets, the utilisation of South African pavilion mount for a pistol, for example, was Special Forces’ equipment was quite conspicuous, easily trumped by another exhibitor on has become something of a the other side of the hall showcasing booming side-market. Navistar’s as the lack of African a simple reflector optic that mounts detailed explanation of the air- defence industry directly onto any rail-system. transportable Special Operations During the calendar year there are Tactical Vehicle, based on its participants was enough defence-related exhibitions trademark Saratoga system, is a certainly a cause to fill up virtually every week in each case in point of a vehicle system month. Eurosatory, much like AAD that can be used by regular and for question.” for the African market, is one of the special forces interchangeably, is most important ones however, as it easy to operate and maintain, and sees the entire world converging into allows for an impressive ‘reskinning’ Although the defence industry as a Paris. Unlike other region-specific capability to disguise the vehicle whole has stagnated somewhat, the exhibitions, Eurosatory serves as the as an ordinary 4x4 vehicle. “Doing amount of innovative technologies central hub for all defence participants more with less” was certainly a major being showcased was encouraging to become informed, involved, and consideration by Navistar and many to see, although the exhibition often invested in system solutions for their other exhibitors. suffered from a case of overlapping military or civil security needs.

The live demonstration area featured everything from mine detection to UAV displays.

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 19 global issues affecting africa

A brief introduction on Joseph Kony, the LRA, and Global Issues the difficulty of finding a Affecting warlord in Central Africa Africa THE HUNT FOR JOSEPH KONY

Kony and the International Community Kony initially formed the LRA to over- throw the government of Uganda. Af- ter his attempt failed, Kony and the LRA began a campaign of terror span- ning more than two decades, often in- volving the abduction of children, the displacement of thousands of people and the mutilation of victims. In 2006 the LRA was forced out of Uganda and Kony continued his campaign of bru- tality in neighbouring countries, the Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There has been a surge in attention on Joseph Kony through the release of “KONY 2012”, a viral marketing campaign launched by NGO Invisible Children, with the aim of soliciting sup- port for the renewal in late 2012 of the US military presence in Central Africa. The campaign hit an initial flood of at- n October 2011 US President Barack humanity, most notably the abduction tention, but has since waned. There Obama committed 100 Special Forc- of children to be used as sex slaves are critical questions about the KONY Ies troops to assist central African na- and child soldiers. Six months after the 2012 campaign that are not addressed tions, mostly in an advisory role, in hunt- operation began US and African joint in full. Key amongst this is whether a ing down and capturing Joseph Kony, forces have still failed to apprehend or few hundred US soldiers, no matter the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army kill Joseph Kony. The rapes, abductions how long they stay in Uganda and the (LRA) and wanted by the International and killings by the LRA continue, but the DRC, will ever prove enough to locate Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against pace has slowed down dramatically. and detain the LRA leader.

20 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 United States is of paramount importance in the cap- Intent involvement turing of Kony. At this point in the LRA’s existence Kony and the LRA pose no known there are lingering questions behind national security threat to the US, so Regional Response the motives of Kony. Whether his per- the question remains as to why exactly The US has made it clear that their as- sistent ‘war’ against Central Africa is the US is sending troops to help ‘finish sistance will almost entirely be in the motivated by actual, measurable polit- form of advisors, funding and ical objectives, much like a terrorist or- equipment. US soldiers are ganisation, or whether his diminished “Key amongst this is combat equipped, but have group is now simply surviving, prefer- whether a few hundred been given strict orders not ring to adopt outright banditry as a to engage LRA troops unless means of thriving in the jungle, since US soldiers, no matter in self-defence. The US has all urban or semi-urban areas are off how long they stay in stated very clearly that ‘Af- limits for any LRA member. rican security issues are the Their tactics and current evasion of Uganda and the DRC, responsibility of the Africans authorities indicate that the group is will ever prove enough themselves’. more likely the latter, although armed The central African nations groups in Central Africa can often be to locate and detain the affected by the LRA have “adopted” by political agents inter- LRA leader.” pledged a contingent of ested in destabilising regions. It is 5000 soldiers to the United not impossible that Kony has in fact Nations (UN) backed African switched his objectives entirely, and Union (AU) joint military strat- is now acting as a band of mercenar- off’ a wanted African militant? As part egy against the rebel group. As part ies. The constant lack of intelligence of their ‘War on Terror’ the US have of the strategic plan the AU officially on the LRA remains the key obstacle in pledged to combat terrorism globally, launched the establishment of a re- both understanding and defeating the but it remains puzzling as to why gional task force (RTF) based in Yam- organisation. Kony and the LRA have recently been bio, South Sudan. This initiative has considered as such a high priority been in planning for months threat when their sphere of influence and is a clear indication of the spans no further than Central Africa. AU’s commitment to combat- “In the past few years The US has strong military ties with ing regional terrorism. Uganda which has committed thou- In the past few years the LRA the LRA numbers have sands of troops, backed by US aid, numbers have been reduced been reduced from to help fight al-Shabaab, a terrorist from well over 3 000 to as low well over 3 000 to as organisation with links to al-Qaida, in as a few hundred, but as small Somalia. The US has not had troops as they have become they still low as a few hundred, in Somalia since 1993 when 18 US remain a prominent threat in but as small as they soldiers were killed and a Black Hawk the region. Ugandan forces helicopter shot down over the capital. that have been pursuing LRA have become they still The US would also gain favour in the leaders and routing them out remain a prominent region and promote their image in Af- of hiding cannot continue rica. Kony’s actions have been widely their pursuit beyond their own threat in the region.” condemned and given his recent me- borders, thus creating a safe dia attention it is unlikely that anyone haven for the LRA. Therefore, would oppose US assistance which the AU initiative is a major step in the Kony Remains Elusive central African leaders have described right direction, as regional coopera- Despite the significant amount of US as ‘invaluable’. The US also has the tion is essential to capturing Kony and assistance and aid, the UN and AU backing of numerous human rights or- ending the LRA. joint strategic plan, and the thousands ganizations that believe US assistance of soldiers pledged by central African

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 21 global issues affecting africa

states to the cause, Joseph Kony remains at large and the LRA remains Ituri Perspective: active. US field bases are strategically located in Djema and Obo of the CAR, MONUSCO in the DRC Nzara of South Sudan, Dungu of the DRC, and Entebbe of Uganda. US commanders admit they are unable to he violence in the Eastern Dem- drawn criticism of MONUSCO’s in- pick up the trail of Kony, but believe he ocratic Republic of Congo’s Kivu ability to create conditions of peace is hiding in the dense jungles between Tregion has practically become a sufficient for the further development Obo and Djema. visual and reporting cliché. Young sol- of the region. The Eastern DRC, how- Pursued by thousands of African mil- diers belonging to an assortment of ever, is larger than the Kivus, just as itary personnel, aided by advanced uncoordinated ‘rebel’ groups or local the thinly disguised uprising of the first US military technology, satellites and militias continue to draw blood in the Congo War was not a proxy for Rwan- high-tech surveillance equipment, DRC, remnants from Rwanda’s proxies dan interests alone. North of the Kivus, Kony has so far managed to evade his in the . Journalists have in Orientale province, the district of enemies by relying on age old mili- returned time and time again with new Ituri offers a different perspective on tary tactics. He has trained his men images of poverty, underdevelopment the possibilities and limits of MONUS- not to use radios or other elec- tronic devices, but rather to rely on message carriers and rendez- vous points. Kony is on the run and US and African military commanders are confident they have the upper hand, with Kony running out of time and places to hide. There is a significant challenge in finding out the exact location of Kony. The KONY 2012 assumption made was that Uganda and DRC ought to be the primary area of operations. However, accounts of attacks and suspected LRA movements have indicated that he is further north, in South Su- R ichard S tupart dan or the CAR. The recent AU MONUSCO have fulfilled their primary role in Central Africa. But it is the softer side of peace- Task Force could well assist in keeping that now warrants attention. this, as more troops dedicated to the destruction of the LRA, while ranging from the DRC into the and suffering – making the region an CO activities. CAR, has a good chance of yielding unfortunate synonym for hopeless, un- During the first Congo war, as some valuable information on Kony’s coordinated violence. Rwanda was extending its reach into whereabouts. The May capture of MONUSCO, the UN force deployed the Kivus to massacre ex- Caesar Acellam, one of Kony’s senior to the DRC, is currently the largest forces – and depending on your commanders, in a region between the armed mission that the organisation politics, every possible Hutu as well – CAR and DRC, proves that the new has deployed anywhere in the world, Uganda had launched its own forces task force is effective, and also shows at over 19,000 personnel (as at April into Ituri. Securing the capital, Bunia, that the LRA has at least in part migrat- 2012). Yet the recent resurgence of and the surrounding gold and timber ed northwards. conflict in the Kivus has once again resources, the Ugandan People’s

22 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 Defence Force (UPDF) would remain ensconced until their departure in April 2003. During their tenure, the UPDF facilitated the transfer of small arms to various groups in the region, whose pre- existing tensions over land ownership had gained political momentum from events further south in the Kivus. The Hema and Lendu communities, in particular, constituted one of the largest pairs of armed antagonists, tearing the district capital of Bunia apart on the departure of the Ugandan forces. In a textbook replay of UN mandate failure, over five hundred people were massacred in Bunia in a matter R ichard S tupart UN Supply convoys are under little threat in the DRC. of days as armed communities descended on the town to seek revenge on their rivals as the UN mission based there “... as Rwanda was in the interior, and issues of conflict could do little but secure their minerals appear to be nonexistent. compound and watch. extending its reach into For the most part – though there The UN response in the Kivus to massacre are caveats – the area is becoming the aftermath of the Bunia ripe for longer-term development massacre, however, offers ex-Interahamwe forces – projects and more optimistic future some important lessons about and depending on your planning than is the case in the what can be done right in the politics, every possible Kivus. Despite dire road networks, region awash with guns and the region is already becoming a murderous intentions. Hutu as well – Uganda transport corridor to Kisangani and Initially, an EU force headed had launched its own areas further west. Coffee from Ituri by France intervened during is now being exported to Uganda Operation Artemis to stabilize forces into Ituri.” for processing and export through the situation, ejecting the militia enterprising local companies. from Bunia and stabilizing the immediate situation sufficiently for around May of that year. So what happened the MONUSCO to resume under a Fast forward to 2012, and differently? chapter VII mandate. Able to engage MONUSCO in Bunia now presides First, there was the political terrain in the militias directly, the return of the over an area that appears starkly which MONUSCO-Ituri was operating. MONUSCO achieved remarkable secure when compared to the Kivus. Unlike the Kivus, where the Rwandan results. By 2006, the last of the major While still massively underdeveloped, shadow still looms large, Uganda’s militias in the region had ceased large-scale agriculture has resumed, withdrawal from Ituri in 2003 appears hostilities in exchange for amnesty, the region is the primary conduit for to have been as thorough politically and a process of DDR wrapped up petrol transport through to Kisangani as it was militarily. The commercial

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 23 global issues affecting africa

relationship between the region and ground east of Bunia for them to agriculture, carpentry and a range Uganda has remained – both legally conceal substantial operations from of other basic activities, producing and illegally as Congolese hardwood MONUSCO air surveillance. Once a peace dividend for many local making its way to Fort Portal in Uganda the UN mission returned with a more economies that has drawn some of continues to illustrate – but Uganda has aggressive mandate, armed groups the sting from previous rivalries. This shown no real interest in keeping trend seems likely to continue. Ituri from re-establishing law and As with any (relative) success order. This lays in stark interest to the story, however, there are caveats. Rwandan/Kivu relationship, where “The UN response Areas in the south of Ituri, close to the government continues to remain in the aftermath of the border with the restive Kivus, interested in keeping a hand in the remain prone to armed violence security situation and stands accused the Bunia massacre, from groups linked to the region of supporting rebel commander however, offers some – including an attack on the town Bosco Ntaganda, as well as of Beni that resulted in hundreds continuing to shelter his predecessor, important lessons of criminals being freed from its Laurent Nkunda. The work of peace about what can be jails as recently as late 2011. Local building is difficult enough in an area done right in the communities also report harassment as difficult to traverse as the Congo, and occasional violence at the hands but when the neighbouring territory region awash with of soldiers from the Congolese is able to intervene to protect rebel guns and murderous national army, the FARDC. These commanders and continue to supply issues highlight the limits to which an weapons and other support, it is intentions.” intervention force like MONUSCO is largely reduced to an exercise in able to create and maintain peace. futility. While it is possible to respond to Then there is the actual physical unwilling to disarm were rapidly larger, macro-security threats in the terrain of Ituri. While the Kivus are pushed to the forested margins of the region, given the right circumstances, generally dense forest, including the district, including the Ituri rainforests a deeper, more permanent peace Virunga national park, much of the towards Kisangani, where they will require the development of an Ituri landscape between Bunia and gradually decayed, unable to resupply effective local policing infrastructure Uganda is open grassland. In simple, from Uganda. to replace the influence of corrupt Finally, the mission was able to progress with effective DDR campaigns fairly rapidly after securing “As with any (relative) the area. That it became impossible success story, however, for armed groups to operate openly in significant numbers, there are caveats.” doubtlessly helped pressure them into participating in the programme. Reducing the numbers of small arms networks within an underpaid and in the district has significantly reduced opportunistic Congolese army. local capacity for armed violence, In the case of Ituri, MONUSCO has though many of the underlying land largely taken the district as far as it can issues that originally fomented conflict go. While remaining a success story R ichard S tupart in the region have remained, and will of how a UN intervention can be made need to be addressed in time. to work, without a functioning, non- Enforced overall stability, though, predatory state to take over, it’s an in- tactical terms, the moment the UN has meant that basic economic structive lesson in the limits of armed was permitted to find and pressure activities in the district have resumed peacekeeping in the absence of an rebel groups, there was very little in the years since 2006, including able state partner.

24 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 Doctor Rupiya is former SECURITY Special Forces Officer and Parachute Regiment CHALLENGES Commander. He also CONFRONTING sits on the African SADC’S NEW Armed Forces Journal MINERAL BONANZA panel of advisors.

SADC’s NEW RESOURCE RICHES Massive discoveries of critically need- ed new natural resources are once again putting southern Africa on the world map as a potential world player in resource markets. The importance of the region was underlined when in 2010, America’s Citibank put South Af- rica’s metals and minerals endowment at a global first-place value of between US$2,3-trillion and US$2,5-trillion. However, it is not just South Africa (SA) which is capturing global atten- tion. Angola’s oil dominance in the region is generally well known, sitting with oil reserves of 13 billion barrels compared to Nigeria 36,5 billion bar- rels and Libya’s 41,5 billion barrels. However, a new player on the block is potentially Angola’s southern neigh- bour Namibia with estimated reserves INTRODUCTION While promising new economic pros- of 11 billion barrels along its western The emergence of the African conti- perity for the region, it is also prompt- coastline. This is set to trigger a new nent as a hotbed of resource extrac- ing a re-evaluation of the subcontinent’s offshore oil exploration bonanza for tion has attracted much attention and security development and requirement the country. With commercial sales interest over the past decade. More needs. The African Union (AU) has slated to start in 2015, the country’s recently, southern Africa has become a stated that they expect at least 20 of small population of just 2,5 million centre of attention as massive new dis- Africa’s 54 states to move into Middle could become Africa’s richest if its coveries come to light with SADC mem- Income Status by 2030, many from the new found oil riches are responsibly ber states experiencing unprecedented SADC region. However, this will only exploited. minerals and hydrocarbons discoveries, be contingent on the pursuance of cor- Staying with hydro-carbons, the linked to record inflows of foreign min- rect policies within an enabling and recent discovery of shale gas under ing investment from key global players. necessary security environment. SA’s Karoo desert has the potential to

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 25 global issues affecting africa

change geopolitical relations, boast- technical workers. For example, two Africa’s largest coal exporter should it ing the world’s fifth largest shale-gas key US companies in the petroleum overcome its infrastructure constraints. deposit after , the United States services logistics sector – Halliburton Coal deposits, estimated at over 10 (US), Mexico and Argentina. More- and Schlumberger – have acquired or billion tons, are considered second over, the largest known methane gas are in the process of acquiring land in only to South Africa by the African deposit in Southern and Eastern Africa the far northern parts of , Development Bank (ADB) and Nick was recently discovered in Matabele- with a view to setting up services re- Lyne of the First World Petroleum and land province of Zimbabwe. lated to gas production. [Nick Lyne, are the focus of attention by some of In addition, the massive offshore Emerging Energy Player, First/World the world’s largest mining and energy gas discoveries along the coastlines Petroleum, May 2012.] companies. Located in the Tete corri- of Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique The presence of these companies dor, companies opening mines there and Madagascar suggest that south- has security implications for the region, include Brazil’s VALE’ Australia’s Rio east Africa is set to become a game however, given their close links to the Tinto’s (Riversdale)’ Britain’s Anglo changer in the global gas market. US political security establishment. American Corporation, India’s Jindal Giving credence to this was the recent Like their Chinese, French and Russian Steel and South Africa’s Grindrod. As- discovery of some 44 trillion cubic counterparts – the interlocking inter- sured markets for the commodity are meters of natural gas announced ests of large multi-nationals with those available in China and India. by the Houston based oil giant Moving to Zimbabwe, Chi- Anadarko Petroleum. Located in adzwa in the Marange dis- the Rovuma Basin and off-shore of “Like their Chinese, French trict is considered the “rich- the Mozambican coast, constitutes est alluvial diamond strike another potential “game changer” and Russian counterparts ever seen”. Representing 25 to the region’s importance in – the interlocking interests percent of global demand, the global energy equation. spread over 70 square kms This linked with discoveries in of large multi-nationals and able to support between Tanzanian waters, East Africa is with those of state 11 to 16 commercially vi- now considered “a world class national security structures able mines for 30 years, it is natural gas production centre” by estimated to be worth over Anadarko and its associates. require monitoring US$800 billion. This is ac- A consortium of companies has and observation when cording to Marck van Bos- begun putting together an initial chel from the World Diamond investment package of US$50 bil- investment decisions are Centre in Belgium as well as lion (of the estimated US$68 billion made by them linked to other related leading expert required) to extract the natural gas, resource extraction.” testimonies from Chaim Ever initially for sale to Japan and South Zohar, author of the authori- Korea. Companies involved include tative Diamond Intelligence American Exxon Mobile, United Brief Vol.27 (694), (1 February Kingdom BP and Dutch giant- Shell, of state national security structures 2012); Dan McDougall from Canada’s Japanese, Chinese, and Indian share- require monitoring and observation Pan African News, and Global Witness: holding under the umbrella of Anadar- when investment decisions are made Diamonds: A Good Deal for Zimba- ko Mozambique Oil & Gas Company. by them linked to resource extraction. bwe (February 2012), amongst others. Coming close on the heels of the Regarding other resources, the Alongside Zimbabwe, Botswana discovery of coal and natural gas in SADC region continues to impress. is moving swiftly to entrench itself northern Mozambique, adjacent to Analysts believe that southern Africa’s as a major diamond player not just discoveries off the Tanzanian shores, is coking coal capacity, which includes on the production side but also on the willingness and rationale by inves- South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozam- the polishing and sorting side after tors to create infrastructure that can be bique, could rival that of Australia. the recent renewal of the Debswana deployed in both areas for purposes of Described as Africa’s new coal Eldo- mining contract between Botswana settling hundreds of professional and rado, Mozambique is set to become and De Beers in 2011 will see the

26 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 arrival from of over 150 senior destabilising agendas on the continent Importantly, Zimbabwe faced a po- professionals and back up staff to the and elsewhere. tentially chaotic situation arising in its country. This is in addition to new In places like Sierra Leone, DRC and newly discovered diamond fields, and diamond mining investments by the Angola, PMCs have played a key and responded by moving its troops into De Beers giant of just under US$4 important role in protecting diamond Merange to forestall the possibility of billion in extending the lifespan of the resources from rebel bands and illegal general anarchy emerging. It was a Jwaneng diamond mine. diamantaires roaming effectively on pre-emptive move to ensure the state Given such synergies found in un-administered land. However, the maintained control over diamond the diamond industry in the region, sales and potential reve- one expects the need for greater nues accrued from taxes coordination to take place between “In places like Sierra – and avoid illegal dia- Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Leone, DRC and Angola, mond buying undermin- South Africa and Botswana on ing key aspects of the the profitable exploitation of this PMCs have played a Kimberley Process. commodity now and in the future. key and important role By October 2008, in protecting diamond government deployed STRATEGIC SECURITY its armed forces, under CONSIDERATIONS resources from rebel bands Operation Hakudzokwe Notwithstanding this potential new and illegal diamantaires (No Return) to forcibly resource bonanza, the security remove over 30 000 implications of this new found wealth roaming effectively on illegal artisanal miners, has not been considered or addressed un-administered land.” traders and hawkers by key stakeholders in the region. The from the country question, in line with this research is back to neighbouring then, what security efforts are in place Mozambique, South to answer the challenges posed in security requirements needed to Africa, Nigeria, Lebanon, India, protecting this finite resource and secure operational and residential Pakistan, Belgium, United Arab those mining it including foreign infrastructure for professional Emirates and even Equatorial Guinea. professionals and investors over workers and technicians working in Only since clearing Marange of the next 30 odd years? How should remote terrain, should be the direct the illegal miners and traders, has governments, the sector, responsibility of governments. In the country been able to put into investors and other players respond to reality, PMCs are used in the absence place commercially viable enterprises the discovery and exploitation of these of proper law enforcement agencies to begin working the area. One staggering new but finite discoveries? to secure such investment interests, example, is the Russian Company The challenge for the region is but in the long run it is not ideal given OZGEO which since 2007 has been that new mineral and hydro-carbon the perception that such entities are working in partnership with the discoveries have witnessed an needed precisely because of the Development Trust of Zimbabwe (DTZ) unprecedented influx of foreign failure of state organs to provide in Penhalonga and in 2009, opened investment in exploration and new effective security conditions to secure a diamond mine in Chimanimani. development activities. It has also such investments. The Company employs 40 Russian brought with it new problems with The absence of such security technical and professional miners as respect to illegal mining and the services, leads to the temptation by well as 400 Zimbabweans. attempted establishment of illegal non-statutory forces (pirates, rebels, Allegations, of course, have been networks to extract resources disaffected military formations, terror made of human rights violations separately from conventional trading and drug networks) to intervene and committed by troops against illegal channels i.e. diamonds and cobalt. either interdict such resources or miners and the questionable role Linked to this are the roles played by establish parallel extraction routes, being played by military elements drug and terrorist networks and the sometimes in collusion with corrupt linked to Zimbabwe’s defence entanglement of all these to pursue state structures. establishment in mining diamonds.

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 27 global issues affecting africa

THE NEED FOR GREATER has strategic implications for the SADC needs to forestall the possi- COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS economic well being of the region. The bility of foreign naval intervention in The issue here, however, is the need BRIC factor brings with it possibilities offshore areas to protect foreign as- for a new look at security arrange- but also strategic challenges for the sets (oil and gas extraction equipment) ments to secure SADC’s resources in region as unorthodox economic against pirates, rebel attacks, terror a more manageable and sustainable means are used to secure resources. groupings etc. by providing effective way. More lateral thinking is needed on The threat of resource competition naval protection services for such as- the issue. One example, is the greater between big foreign powers may have sets and when appropriate consider need for airborne patrols. While a a destabilizing impact on SADC’s well joint manoeuvres to effect such pro- significant operational expense, the being. tection if required. use of UAVs to monitor the flow of il- Such issues cannot be ignored and legal diamond movements between need to be looked at in conjunction THE GHANAIAN EXAMPLE Zimbabwe and Mozambique, illegal with the growing naval competition in Have such challenges been confronted fishing off the coastlines and in- by other African countries, cursions of pirates or other unau- and dealt with using a thorized shipping in sensitive oil model which SADC might and gas producing regions, could consider? In 2007 a US be considered. Greater collabo- based company Kosmos ration is also needed between Energy discovered 1,8 SADC’s military and police forces billion barrels of crude oil, to ensure more effective policing off the Ghanaian coast in and control over strategically sen- a place now known as the sitive areas. Jubilee Oil Field. Three Linked to this is possibly the G overnment of hana years later, Ghana entered need for greater collaboration the club of oil exporters between the SADC intelligence “In short, the old Ghanaian amidst the transformation services to more effectively of its defence forces: coordinate actions against illegal Armed Forces, previously whose flagship is now the resource extraction – i.e. coltan willingly dispersed to United newly equipped Ghanaian and cobalt (DRC), diamonds Nations Peacekeeping Naval Service (GNS). (Zimbabwe, SA, Namibia, Angola The acquisition of new and Botswana) platinum (SA missions worldwide is now naval vessels was the and Zimbabwe) and uranium back home with a mission - first serious restructuring (Namibia), as well as to more and re-equipment of the effectively monitor large offshore concerned with providing a Ghana Armed Forces concessions being worked by near tranquil environment in 32 years. To this end, foreign multinationals for hydro- for the new oil industry four new maritime vessels carbons. were speedily ordered The region’s resources have in support of creating a and received from China automatically pushed up the area prosperous society.” and given names of the as a strategic node of critically country’s most deadly needed raw materials for not snakes. These are the just the West but the expanding Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) economies in the east (China, India and the Indian Ocean between India and Blika (Blika is a Ga-Dangme word for South Korea) whose key engagement China as both strive to acquire a blue cobra), the GNS Garinga (a Dagbani strategy with Africa and SADC is to water capability, the ongoing threat of word for the venomous viper), the secure resource supplies at source. The war in the Gulf of Aden and ongoing GNS Chemle (an Ahanta word for the modus operandi employed by such attempts by AFRICOM to consolidate black mamba, the longest venomous countries in their pursuit of resources its influence in Africa. snake in Africa), and the GNS Ehwor

28 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 (an Ewe word for the python.) • Demonstrate that the drivers behind security of their working personnel Significantly, these entered into the demand for a world class secure and families; service to coincide with the first environment are not only based in commercial crude sales, tasked to the countries affected or the SADC • Highlight the Ghanaian case study, police Ghana’s international 280 region itself but those beyond the re- to show how a properly integrated nautical miles economic free zone gion making long-term investments; public and private sector response against increasing incidents of piracy to its new economic windfall is cen- and other related maritime crimes. • Show that these considerations go tral to the new security challenges In President A. Mills’ opinion, in way beyond local borders, to in- and strategies that emerge. undertaking the urgent maritime clude the serious investing countries restructuring, “the country had no and of course the key markets that In conclusion, all such issues require option but to equip the Navy to be able must be assured of stable and pre- closer consideration and might be bet- to guarantee a secure environment dictable supplies before offering ter rooted in a new Natural Resources where all legitimate entities can long-term contracts. For example, or Minerals Security Committee (MSC) operate freely without hindrance. the leading natural gas consumers established at SADC level. This new In support of the new assets acquired are South Korea and Japan with organ could look into these resource for the GNS, a flotilla of public and China and India still locked in con- security considerations, as well as private helicopters and planes has suming tons of coal in their evolving to provide some strategic guidance also been put into place, not only to energy demands; on how the sub-continent’s resource service the “oil-gangs” to and from riches could be used to leverage the the rigs, but also to provide aerial • Illustrate that the nature and context region’s economic and political in- security. On the ground, new units with of responding to security around dia- terests and objectives in African and near-shore fast speed boats, surface monds is different to that related to more importantly global forums. and aerial radar installations have crude oil and even natural gas although also been put into place, supported there are areas of convergence; by a new and integrated public and By: lt. Col (ret.) Dr Martin Rupiya private ports/harbour, maritime spares, • Ensure the transformation of the and former Parachute Regiment Offi- repair and maintenance as well as region’s security forces to ensure a cer. Rupiya has a PhD in Military His- engineering infrastructure. In short, the better integrated response with the tory (University of Zimbabwe-UZ), an old Ghanaian Armed Forces, previously region’s private sector, for example, MA in Strategic Studies (Kings’ Col- willingly dispersed to the Financial and Banking sector in lege London), BA Hons and Diploma Peacekeeping missions worldwide fighting money laundering and cor- in War & Strategic Studies (UZ). Cur- is now back home with a mission - ruption stemming from illegal min- rently the Executive Director of The concerned with providing a near tranquil ing deals; African Public Policy and Research In- environment for the new oil industry in stitute (APPRI) support of creating a prosperous society. • Inject into SADC’s forward planning scenarios, new strategic thinking to This is an extract of a longer research NEW STRATEGIC THINKING take into account the new “resource piece due for publication by the Unit- REQUIRED reality” facing the region when con- ed Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo The main argument of this paper is to: sidering future training and equip- under the “Africa’s Natural Resourc- • Raise awareness among SADC ment needs so as to provide the nec- es: Conflict, Governance and Devel- member countries that new mineral essary security and protection of this opment Project”. discoveries come with new security new environment for the betterment implications; of ordinary citizens in southern Africa;

• Stress that the introduction of “world • Understand more clearly the expec- class resource innovations” urgently tations and security needs of both require the support of equally world local and foreign investors around class security structures; the integrity of their assets and the

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 29 profiles & appointments

Profiles & Appointments

Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe served as a member of the Constitutional Assembly from Noluthando MAPISA-NQAKULA 1994 to 1996 and was appointed Chief Whip of the ANC in 2001. In 2002 Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula was appointed Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula, former Minister of Correctional as Deputy Minister of the Department of Home Affairs Services, has been appointed as Minister of Defence before being promoted to Minister in 2004. She was later and Military Veterans, replacing appointed Minster of Correctional Lindiwe Sisulu who has been moved Services in 2009, where she served until to the Ministry of Public Service and her recent appointment as Minister of Administration. The announcement Defence and Military Veterans. was made on 12 June 2012 by President Jacob Zuma as part of a reshuffling of Political Orientation and Influence his cabinet. Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula is A qualified teacher, Mapisa-Nqakula also President of the ANC Women’s started her political career as a League, Deputy Chairperson of the founding member of the East London ANC Political Committee in Parliament Domestic Workers’ Association in 1982 and a member of parliament. before leaving the country in 1984 to undergo military training in Angola and Background the Soviet Union. After completion of Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula was born on 13 November 1956. She her training she served in various ANC political and military matriculated from Mt. Arthur High School in the Eastern structures. She also served as the Head of a Commission set Cape, and obtained a diploma in primary school education up to investigate desertions of ANC MK members to the from the Bensonvale Teacher College. She later received a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) diploma in Project Management from Canadian Universities in Angola (1984). Overseas Services. Her husband Charles, a one time member of the SACP Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula began teaching in 1978 at Bensonvale Central Committee was the Chairperson of the Regional Junior Secondary School and later at St Matthews Teacher’s Politico-Military Committee (RPMC) of the ANC in Lesotho Training College. She worked as a youth worker from 1981 from 1985-1990. to 1982 before accepting a position as Assistant Director at Nosiviwe returned to South Africa in 1990 to help the Masazane Open School. movement rebuild its structures, and was elected ANC In 1984 Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula became politically active Women’s League Organiser in 1991. In 1993, she was and joined the African National Congress (ANC). In the elected Secretary General of the League and then in 2003 same year she left South Africa to undergo military training President of the ANCWL. She also served on the ANC in Angola and the Soviet Union. During this time she National Executive, was Chief Whip briefly and has been served as head of a commission tasked at investigating trusted with high-profile and organisational roles in the party ANC MK desertions, reporting to the United Nations High since her earliest days in exile in the mid-1980s. Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Perhaps most impressive is her ability to marshal political In 1993 Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula became a member of the forces in her favour. When she came up against the League’s ANC National Executive Committee and was appointed Acting President and Umkhonto weSizwe veteran Thandi Secretary-General of the ANC Women’s League. She Modise for the presidency vacated by Winnie Madikizela-

30 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 Mandela in 2003, Nosiviwe not only won but trounced her General Carlo Gagiano, the longest serving Chief more fancied opponent. She did it, some say, by securing of the Air Force in the history of the SANDF. Lieutenant the formidable backing of Madikizela-Mandela. General Gagiano will retire on 30 September 2012. Mapisa-Nqakula was one of Mbeki’s most loyal supporters. For the next three and a half months, Major General In 1999, she survived an alleged assassination attempt Msimang will understudy Gagiano as when, returning from the airport, the car in which she was part of his preparation for taking over Command of the travelling was ambushed outside the Nqakula family home SAAF. in Johannesburg. Her driver managed to drive away. One of A member of the ANC’s military wing Umkhonto weSizwe the hijackers who were arrested admitted that the mission Msimang integrated into the South African National Defence was not a car-hijacking, but an assassination attempt. [Note: Force (SANDF) in 1994 after the first Democratic Elections In 1999, she led an Mbeki investigation into the conduct of as a qualified pilot on the Mi 8 and Mi 25 helicopters. He ANC leaders in Mpumalanga and produced a report which received his flying training at Frunze 1 Central Officers led to the sacking of former Premier Mathews Phosa.] Training Center-Kirghizstan, in the former Soviet Union from She lobbied unsuccessfully for Mbeki’s third term as party 1986 to 1991. During his career he has flown the Mi 8, Mi President and was the only ANC MP not to vote in favour of 25, Allouette III, Oryx helicopters and also did a conversion a resolution providing that Mbeki’s resignation was effective course on the A 109E at AgustaWestland in Italy. immediately. As a member of the ANC’s military wing he served as an MK combatant in Angola in 1986. After completing General Observations Zimbabwe’s Junior and Staff Airforce Course in 1994, While Mapisa-Nqakula was expected not to survive Msimang served as an operational pilot in both maritime politically as a close associate of Thabo Mbeki, she had and inland helicopter squadrons. In 2000, he was appointed inherited a Department left in dire straits by outgoing as the Assistant Project Officer on Project Flange in Italy. This Minister, Ngconde Balfour. On the corollary, Mapisa-Nqakula was an acquisition project of the Agusta A109 LUH which has now inherited a revitalised Defence Ministry, which has replaced the Allouette III helicopter. Msimang completed seen significant improvements under outgoing Minister the Senior Staff Course at the Italian Air Force War School Sisulu, who just days before her reappointment had secured during his time in Italy, and after his return to South Africa a defence trade agreement with Turkey, while the first major in 2003 he completed the Joint Senior Command and Staff Defence Review in 14 years was in its final consultations. The Programme at the South African War College. loss of Minister Sisulu is a disappointment for the defence After his completion of the programme he was appointed ministry of South Africa, as her achievements to this point as Officer Commanding of the Helicopter Flying School at had been remarkable. Air Force Base Bloemfontein. In 2005 he was appointed as Officer Commanding and promoted to the rank of Colonel. APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF OF In 2006, he completed the Executive National Security THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR Programme at the South African National FORCe, major General Defence College. fabian zimpande Msimang was later promoted to the rank Msimang will become of Brigadier General in 2007 and served the cas in the Air Force Command as Director of Helicopter Systems in Pretoria. He has On 18 June 2012 the Chief of the South since been promoted to Major General African National Defence Force (C SANDF), as Chief Director: Air Policy and Plans, General Solly Shoke, announced the responsible for Air Force strategy, policies, appointment of Major General Fabian capabilities and resource allocation. Zimpande (Zakes) Msimang as the new Chief He has a strong ANC political pedigree of the South Africa Air Force (C SAAF) with being the son of Mendi Msimang, the effect from 01 October 2012. Major General Msimang will ANC’s former treasurer general (1997-2008) and SA’s high take over Command of the South African Air Force from commissioner to London (1994-1997).

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 31 book reviews

Book reviews Reviews of African military literature

The Gun – The story of the AK-47 By C.J. Chivers

“This book focuses on the most developments – Dr. Richard Gatling focus of the book due to the amount important series of infantry small arms and Hiram Maxim. Their endeavours to of space accorded to this background of our time, and as most commonly market their products to international information. encountered in the field: the original governments introduce an insight into The second section of the book AK-47 and its derivatives, knock offs, and companion firearms that have flooded armouries “The weapon was and arms bazaars around the designed collectively, world and become a primary the culmination weapon of guerrillas, terrorists, and many armed criminal of work by many gangs. It examines their origins, people over many design, production, distribution, stockpiling, export, and use as years, and the result one of the predominant tools of of a process in which war of the past half century”. But this comprehensive Senior Sergeant coverage is not enough for Kalashnikov was near Chivers – he goes further with the centre in the mid his work and uses the AK- 47 as a canvas to discuss the and late 1940s.” development of modern firearms in terms of their miniaturisation and simplification. He covers, in some depth, the history and development of automatic firearms modern day weapons salesmanship deals with the invention and in the 1800s and discusses the effect and the resistance to the introduction development of the AK-47. Chivers that these new machines had on the of machine guns that was inherent in provides an extremely detailed and type of warfare that was being waged colonial military powers. This section, thorough account of the origins of at the time. although important in providing a the AK-47 assault rifle. He also shows We also learn more about the context for the development of the the differences between the official individuals responsible for these AK-47, detracts somewhat from the Soviet version of the AK-47s origin

32 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 and the actual development of the repress freedom movements in East arms to any state or organisation AK-47. The Soviet’s version had Germany and Ccechoslovakia in 1953 prepared to pay for them. Senior Sergeant Mikhail Timofeyevich and in Hungary in 1956. The final section of the book covers Kalashnikov, a World War II tank Chivers deals not only with the the attempts of the United States of commander, designing the Avtomat development of the AK-47 but America to catch up to the AK-47 Kalashnikova, the automatic by also with its proliferation. The AK- with an assault rifle of their own. The 47 assault rifle was unfortunate M-16 was pressed into developed and mass service in Vietnam where its design “The unfortunate M-16 produced under Stalin, and development faults were slowly was pressed into service in but it was Khrushchev and grudgingly attended to while the who ensured that the senior officers blamed the troops for Vietnam where its design AK-47 would become the not maintaining their rifles correctly. and development faults predominant weapon This situation extended to an official of choice for militaries, prohibition on mentioning M-16 were slowly and grudgingly liberation organisations malfunctions. “Newsmen were not to attended to while the and terrorists across question soldiers about the weapon. the globe. The contest No stories about the rifle jamming or senior officers blamed the between the East and malfunctioning were to be written.” troops for not maintaining the West for global This is a very well researched and their rifles correctly.” domination provided presented document which really the Soviets with an tells the greater story of the AK-47. opportunity to distribute Although not a well machined and their arms as a form of finely engineered piece of equipment Kalashnikov, as an entrant in a secret political currency. This distribution of – the AK-47 and its variants are not weapons competition held after the military technology to its allies had the renowned for their accuracy – it is a end of the Great Patriotic War. The effect of increasing standardisation of hardy tool of combat which is easy to facts reflect a different story – “Any weaponry amongst the Soviet allies use and reliable. distillation that treats the AK-47 as a and created a dependency on the The sheer quantity of AK-47s spontaneous invention, the epiphany Soviets for the resupply of weapons produced and their availability of an unassuming but gifted sergeant and ammunition. at his workbench, misses the very What followed was nature of its origins as an idiosyncratic decades of arms Soviet product. The weapon was production and storage “This is a very well researched designed collectively, the culmination leading to surpluses of of work by many people over many arms with no apparent and presented document years, and the result of a process in use. More concerning which really tells the greater which Senior Sergeant Kalashnikov is that there exists no story of the AK-47. Although was near the centre in the mid and comprehensive record late 1940s.” of the actual numbers not a well machined and Strangely, this was an opportunity of material produced finely engineered piece of for the Soviets to laud the by the Eastern bloc. effectiveness of their Marxist system, A lack of records equipment – the AK-47 and but they chose to attribute the combined with a lack its variants are not renowned recognition for this development to of control and a need an individual. for hard cash in a post- for their accuracy – it is a hardy It is also interesting to see the first Soviet Union market tool of combat which is easy application of the AK-47, with its environment has led to to use and reliable.” status as the weapon of choice for the further distribution liberation, being implemented to of tons of these surplus

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 33 book reviews

throughout the world has ensured the Dingo Wood’s Operation Dingo: Rhodesian weapons presence in conflicts and Raid on Chimoio and Tembue, 1977 terrorism for a long time to come. Firestorm: being the first (this itself being an Chivers provides the reader with extension of a chapter which first a quantity of detailed information The appeared two years previously in which not only provides an interesting Greatest Wood’s well-received Counterstrike read but also serves as a remarkable from the Sky.) reference work. Battle Unlike Wood, whose excellent The only criticism I would raise of the writing on the subject was somewhat would be the lack of information and limited by the Africa@War series credit given to the Germans for their Rhodesian format of 64 heavily illustrated pages, role in the development of the assault Pringle spends considerable time rifle together with an intermediate Bush War and energy setting the stage for the cartridge. Mention is made of the By Ian Pringle. operation as well as examining the presence of the German weapons institutional culture of the Rhodesian designer Hugo Schmeisser in the Zebra Press; (2012); 266 pp. Izhevsk Motor Plant No. 524, a Russian rifle production centre, during the “Particularly period of the development of the impressive is AK-47 but his role there is not interrogated further. This book the litany of key is definitely recommended to personalities anyone with more than a passing interest in the AK-47 or in firearms involved in the in general. operation which Pringle has been able to track down About the author and interview.” C. J. Chivers is a senior writer for the New York Times and its former Moscow Bureau Chief. He was an infantry officer in the US Marines from 1988 to 1994 and security forces, especially the served in the First Gulf War. He is (RhAF). He the recipient of numerous prizes, states in his author’s note that including a shared Pulitzer for there is a strong aerial bias to International Reporting in 2009 for the work. Given his background coverage of the war in Afghanistan. Touted in its subtitle as “The greatest in aviation, this is hardly surprising. He has reported from many of the battle of the Rhodesian Bush War” Particularly impressive is the litany war-torn areas of the world. He lives Dingo Firestorm by first time author, of key personalities involved in the with his family in Rhode Island. former Rhodesian Police Reserve operation which Pringle has been Air Wing (PRAW) pilot Ian Pringle, able to track down and interview. and published by Zebra Press, is the While the author does tend to sell latest in a rapidly increasing body his flying and parachuting abilities of literature on the conflict. It is also they do undoubtedly contribute to the second book to appear dealing his being better able to write about specifically with this particularcertain aspects of the operation. The operation over the past year, with JRT opening two pages of the Hunter

34 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 strike is a gripping introduction that contribute much to the smooth flow Dingo Firestorm is a well written, sets the pace for the remainder of and readability of the work as Pringle well researched account of what the book. walks us through the various phases occurred from the perspective As recounted in a previous review of both operations. of the Rhodesian security forces. in these pages on Wood’s Operation The work, structured into three This reviewer has no hesitation in Dingo, the operation consisted of parts, first looks at the background recommending it. It would make a fine with the opening section, addition to Wood’s earlier account “Operation Dingo entitled “The Gathering Storm”, on any bookshelf dealing with either orientating the reader both as the Second Chimurenga in general or was one of the largest to the circumstances behind the Operation Dingo in particular. external operations conflict and how this particular operation came about. The to be launched by the section consists of roughly half the Rhodesians during the book and provides much insight for both the specialist reader and entire war.” the novice. Of particular interest is the brief account of how COMOPS (Combined Operations) was two components. The first target, formed and how Walls received its identified as Zulu 1, entailed an attack stewardship. The section closes with on New Farm (known as Chimoio) an introduction to the commanders in Mozambique’s Manica Province, of Operation Dingo before being whereas the second target, identified followed by the final briefing for the as Zulu 2, was to be an attack on Tembue Camp in Tete Province. The two assaults were to take “The book place over a five-day period has numerous with New Farm being attacked first on 23 November and photographs seen Tembue three days later on 26 here for the first time.” November. Involving almost the entire RhAF and elements of the (RLI) and C Squadron Rhodesian attack. SAS, Operation Dingo was one of The second section - “Zulu 1: the largest external operations to be Chimoio” - focuses on the primary launched by the Rhodesians during assault on Chimoio and the recovery the entire war. of the ground forces after its Key personnel interviewed range completion, while the final section from General (now - “Zulu 2: Tembue” - deals with the deceased) to the elusive Squadron attack on Tembue. The book has Leader Richard Brand. Brand, a retired numerous photographs seen here businessman in the US and relative of for the first time. Among these are African aviation pioneer Sir Quinton photographs of the current ZANLA Brand, achieved fame as the RhAF War shrine at New Farm as well as a Hunter pilot who hit a dustbin with a wall of remembrance listing all those single five round burst on the range in killed in the attack. It is a staggering response to a challenge. The insights reminder of the death toll inflicted by from these first-hand interviews the war.

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 35 africa Flashpoints Africa Flashpoints Libya Sporadic incidents of fighting have broken out in Libya since the June 4th attack on Tripoli Airport. Starting with the 6 June bombing of the American Embassy East of Benghazi, which resulted in no deaths but has raised alarm bells for diplomatic security in what is meant to be an NTC stronghold in the East. It is unclear who was behind the bombing. In the town of Kufra, a group of Toubou tribesmen were allegedly attacked by security forces in an effort to ‘exterminate’ them. The security forces, however, claim that the tribesmen were attempting to break into a secure facility to steal vehicles. This occurred after the arrest of four International Criminal Court investigators, on allegations of spying.

Nigeria On 11 June suspected Boko Haram terrorists entered a church in Jos, Sudan Killing one, and blowing up a There have been reports of fresh suicide vehicle in another attack, attacks during June in Sudan’s injuring over 40 Nigerians. Although North Kordofan State. Long Boko Haram has not claimed considered the “forgotten Darfur”, responsibility for the attacks, the armed raiding parties associated targeting of churches and usage with the Sudan People’s Liberation of suicide bombers is a trademark Movement – North, have been tactic which they employ. battling state security forces in the Retaliations have already resulted region since April. Although there is in two dead, and will possibly no confirmation of casualties, there continue through June. have been reports of hundreds of thousands of displaced Sudanese flooding out of North Kordofan.

36 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 briefing room

Briefing room Defence events on Africa

AFRICAN AIR CHIEFS CONFERENCE Military Skils Dates: August 2012 Dates: 21-27 October Washington DC Potchefstroom, South Africa This conference, in support of US Air Forces in The Annual Military Skills Competition is held by the Europe (USAFE), will bring together the leaders of South African Reserve Force Council. Supported by the African Air Forces to discuss and strategize means Defence Reserves, the competition is open to all ranks, for increasing capacity of the continent’s air forces gender and ages. During the competition basic military and improve air domain awareness, control and skills are tested through the following disciplines: security. • Rifle Shooting Audience: Chiefs of Africa Air Forces, senior USAFE • Pistol Shooting and HQ US Air Force officials. • Water Obstacle Crossing Contact: Africa Center Main Headquarters • Hand Grenade Throwing Phone: +1 202 685-7300, Fax: +1 202 685-3210 • Cross Country Running P.O.Box 670, Kelvin, Johannesburg 2054 Contact: Tel: 011 444 2843, Fax 011 4442845 e-mail: [email protected] web page: www.rfc.org.za, www.milcomp.co.za

MARITIME SAFETY AND SECURITY (MSS) SEMINAR WEST AFRICA Dates: September 2012 West Africa (TBC) This programme builds on the All-Africa Maritime MCSA – Maritime & Coastal Safety and Security Seminar held in Tanzania in 2010 Security Africa and focuses on national and regional approaches to Dates: 8 - 9 November 2012 develop and implement maritime security strategies Cape Town, South Africa in the ECOWAS region. It will be attended by African MCSA will host a series of speakers and panels officials with maritime portfolios joined by US and surrounding major maritime security issues maritime experts. in Africa, particularly that of Piracy in the Gulf Contact: Washington DC: +1 202 685 7300 Ethiopia: of Aden and West Africa, and the problem of +251 115 174 203 Senegal: +221 33 860 61 67 maritime security capability amongst littoral nations. Contact: +27 21 700 3500

African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012 37 letters

letters

DEar AAF, torians, but rather to ensure the core as it were, for a military that does not The recent article in a prominent South components of an article, argument, or get the funding it needs to fulfil these African online news site by Mandy de essay is well-researched and proofed by enormous requirements. Certainly the Waal, and her subsequent retreat in a an individual with the necessary experi- current 1.12% of GDP allocation is not follow-up article, raises some interesting ence. A cursory draft sent to the South enough, and that was made clear in the problems on writing about defence and African Infantry Association, for exam- review early on, but what then of the military matters in South Africa. ple, would likely have smoothed over a future? Hopefully Minister Sisulu has an The SADF and SANDF are both high- lot of the initial problems with de Waal’s ace up her sleeve to match the budget ly-contentious subjects, whether it is a piece (and many others written by the with the requirements. case of the post-apartheid treatment of main stream media before). 32 Battalion veterans or a former SADF Writing on South African military history “It seems that the “talk”, like in de Waal’s piece, writing in is about as dangerous as navigating a a cavalier fashion on events occurring minefield, and those wishing to do ei- public, generally- during the war in Angola. ther would do well to strongly consider speaking, still maintain whether they are prepared for the inevi- a high level of “The SADF and table backblast. Johannesburg misunderstanding as SANDF are both to the structure and highly-contentious DEar AAF, The Draft Defence Review from our De- purpose of the SANDF.” subjects, whether it partment of Defence is a strong step is a case of the post- forward in conceptualising our armed Finally, the review, no matter how well- forces’ role in Africa. Although many criti- done, will face scrutiny in how it matches apartheid treatment of cisms have been levelled at the Defence up with other government papers, such 32 Battalion veterans or Review Committee, they ought to be as the obscure foreign policy white paper a former SADF “talk”, commended on an overall job well done. loosely oriented on ‘ubuntu’, the South I had the luck to attend one of the con- African Development Partnership Agency like in de Waal’s piece, sultation sessions arranged by the Re- (SAPDA) – itself a nebulous and hard-to- writing in a cavalier view Committee with the public and find document – as well as the overall in- had a few observations: dustry plan from the Department of Trade fashion on events Firstly, it seems that the public, gener- and Industry. Matching the comparative- occurring during the ally-speaking, still maintain a high level ly-lucid and coherent Defence Review war in Angola.” of misunderstanding as to the structure with these documents is impossible, but and purpose of the SANDF. This is not is something that will be demanded. their fault, but at the same time provid- R. White All of these topics are guaranteed to ing some manner of “idiot’s guide to Cape Town elicit a spirited response from one faction the military” could serve the Commit- or another of the former armed forces, tee well in explaining the more perti- Letters to the Editor whether they are white, black, Angolan, nent parts of the draft review. Letters to the journal are welcome. South Africa, SADF or MK. The reactions Secondly, the review seems startlingly- Please ensure that all letters are no are always vociferous and outspoken, and silent on the issue of just where the longer than 350 words and contain the smallest error is torn to pieces. financing will come from for a military the original author’s name. The solution is not to simply relegate as large and intricate as laid out in All letters can be emailed to writing on defence matters to the his- the paper’s pages. There is no plan B, [email protected].

38 African Armed Forces Journal | June 2012

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