Three Tanzanian Soldiers Killed in Congo Conflict
Three Tanzanian soldiers were killed and three others wounded by hostile mortar fire near their camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a statement from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday.
These soldiers were part of a peacekeeping force deployed in December last year to aid government troops in their fight against the M23 rebels in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the DRC. The peacekeeping force comprises troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi.
The mortar attack, which occurred last Thursday, led to the deaths of the Tanzanian soldiers. A ceremony to honor the fallen soldiers was held at the SADC headquarters in Goma, the provincial capital, on Monday.
Additionally, SADC reported the unfortunate passing of a South African soldier in a hospital due to unspecified health problems.
This incident marks the latest casualties suffered by the peacekeeping force, following the deaths of two South African soldiers in mid-February due to mortar attacks at a camp near Goma.
According to a Congolese security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, the Tanzanian casualties occurred at the same camp as the previous attack.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has drawn international attention, with accusations leveled against neighboring Rwanda for allegedly supporting the rebels in their quest to control the region’s mineral-rich resources. Rwanda has denied these allegations.
The resurgence of violence in the region, particularly by the M23 rebel group, has exacerbated the already volatile situation in eastern DRC, which has been plagued by violence from local and foreign armed groups for nearly three decades.
Despite efforts by peacekeeping forces and the Congolese government, the conflict persists, causing significant challenges to stability and security in the region.
Additional Source: AfricaNews
