Mortar Strike Claims Lives of Tanzanian Soldiers in Eastern DR Congo
A recent mortar attack in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in the deaths of three soldiers belonging to a southern African military contingent. All casualties were Tanzanian, with three additional soldiers sustaining injuries.
The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) reported that the “hostile” missile fire struck near the soldiers’ encampment, though specific details regarding the time and location of the attack remain undisclosed.
Responsibility for the assault on the Sadc troops has not been attributed by the organization.
The deployment of the southern African regional force was initiated by the Congolese government in response to escalating insecurity stemming from various rebel factions vying for dominance over territory and the area’s abundant mineral resources, notably the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has faced accusations of supporting the M23, an allegation it vehemently denies, while also alleging collaboration between the Congolese army and the FDLR militia, connected to perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide—an accusation refuted by Kinshasa.
Despite a period of relative calm, the M23 has resurged in 2021, asserting control over significant portions of North Kivu province. The resurgence of violence has led to a mass exodus of civilians from affected areas, seeking refuge in urban centers like Goma, which faces potential capture by the M23, reminiscent of its 2012 takeover.
The Congolese government’s decision to expel the substantial UN peacekeeping mission by the end of 2024 has heightened tensions. To confront the M23 threat, Sadc deployed 2,900 soldiers to North Kivu province in December.
Sadc’s recent statement also noted the passing of a South African soldier undergoing medical treatment for health issues, adding to the toll of casualties. This follows the deaths of two South African soldiers in February due to mortar fire in North Kivu province.