Summary:
- Three soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo were killed by a mortar round near their camp, with three others injured. This incident occurred amid ongoing instability in the region, where violent clashes persist.
JOHANNESBURG, (Examiner) – Three soldiers serving on a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo were tragically killed, with three others sustaining injuries, following the impact of a hostile mortar round near their encampment, as confirmed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday.
The SADC, which initiated its mission in Congo on December 15 last year to assist the government in addressing the persistent instability and combating armed groups particularly in the troubled eastern region, expressed deep regret over the incident.
According to a statement released by the 16-member bloc, the unfortunate event unfolded when a hostile mortar round landed in close proximity to the soldiers’ camp. The casualties, both fatal and injured, hailed from Tanzania, one of the contributing nations alongside Malawi and South Africa to the peacekeeping mission.
Additionally, the statement mentioned the passing of another South African soldier from the SADC contingent during medical treatment for undisclosed health issues at a Goma hospital, although clarity on whether it was linked to the mortar round incident remains pending.
This incident comes in the wake of a similar occurrence in February, wherein two South African soldiers serving under the SADC mission lost their lives, with three others sustaining injuries due to a mortar bomb explosion.
As violence persists in Congo’s eastern region, the death toll from a recent militia attack on civilians has climbed to 25 over the past weekend, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the conflict-ridden area.
(BE)
