SA taxpayers fork out for Russia’s DRC military operation

South African taxpayers are bearing the cost of a massive airlift between SA and Goma in the DRC, transporting tons of weaponry and hundreds of troops. City Press reports that the daily flights, handled by four Ilyushin Il-76 cargo planes, were initially to be paid for by the DRC Government and quotes had been obtained for this purpose. However, the contracting was suddenly taken over by the cash-strapped SA Air Force (SAAF) and Armscor under the existing RT61 government contract for cargo flights. While the Angolan Air Force’s Il-76 managed some of the flights, one of the aircraft was specially chartered from Moscow to assist under a special agreement between SA and Russia. The agreement was reportedly concluded shortly after the military’s new financial year and budget kicked off on 1 March 2024. The Russian plane belongs to Aviacon Zitotrans, which previously assisted with transporting the military’s equipment. The company is under sanctions by the US and the UK for its involvement in transporting Russian military equipment to the war front with Ukraine. Aviation insiders said in total up to 80 return flights are needed from SA. The planes fly ‘fresh’ equipment to the DRC and bring back unserviceable vehicles. The troops sent over are part of the military’s contribution to the Southern African regional force being assembled in Goma and Sake near Lake Kivu to fight the M23 and other rebel groups.