By Twink Jones Gadama
In a somber turn of events, three Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers have lost their lives in fierce battles with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to MDF spokesperson, Major Emmanuel Calvin Mlelemba, the soldiers “fell in the line of duty during an encounter with the M23 rebel group operating in Eastern DRC”.
The deceased soldiers were part of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC, aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. While official details are scarce, inside sources have revealed that two soldiers were killed in action yesterday in Sake, a town in Goma City, North Kivu, eastern DRC, while the third soldier succumbed to injuries sustained last week.
The M23 rebels have been intensifying their assaults in the DRC, seizing control of more territory than ever since the start of the year. This escalation has raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the region. Malawi’s involvement in the combat peacekeeping mission in the DRC is aimed at supporting the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in stabilizing the region.
The loss of life is a sobering reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by soldiers serving in peacekeeping missions. The MDF has been participating in the SADC mission in the DRC since 2013, with the primary objective of neutralizing armed groups and supporting the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) process.
As the situation in the DRC continues to unfold, the international community remains committed to supporting efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. The African Union, the European Union, and the United Nations have all condemned the recent violence and called for restraint.
In Malawi, the news of the soldiers’ deaths has sent shockwaves across the nation. President Lazarus Chakwera has issued a statement expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional peace and security.
As the families of the fallen soldiers mourn their loved ones, the nation comes together to honor their sacrifice. The MDF has promised to provide further details on the incident in due course.
In the meantime, the international community remains vigilant, calling for calm and restraint in the face of escalating violence. The people of Malawi and the DRC can only hope that the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers will not be in vain, and that peace will soon be restored to the region.
