GOMA-(MaraviPost)-Three Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers have been killed in fighting with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC.

MDF spokesperson, Major Emmanuel Calvin Mlelemba, says the three “fell in the line of duty during an encounter with the M23 rebel group operating in Eastern DRC.”

The soldiers, according to Major Mlelemba, were part of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC. He says further details will be shared later.

But inside sources have told Zodiak Online that two soldiers were killed on January 24, 2025 in Sake, a town in Goma City, in North Kivu, eastern DRC while one was killed last week.

International media reports indicate that the M23 rebels have intensified assaults in DRC where they have “seized control of more territory than ever” since the start of the year.

Malawi is in a combat peacekeeping mission in DRC engaging the rebels.

This is not the first time Malawi losing soldiers in DRC’s peace-keeping mission.

Three MDF soldiers killed in combat against M23 rebels in the DRC

By Burnett Munthali

In a tragic development, three soldiers from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) have lost their lives while serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to The Sunday Times, the soldiers were killed during a confrontation with the notorious M23 rebel group, a militia that has caused significant instability in the eastern part of the DRC.

The soldiers were part of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), a multinational effort aimed at restoring peace and stability in the conflict-ridden region. The eastern DRC, particularly the Kivu region, has long been a hotspot for armed conflict, with the M23 rebels emerging as one of the primary threats to peace.

The deaths of the three Malawian soldiers highlight the dangers faced by peacekeepers deployed to volatile regions. Despite their mission to protect civilians and support the DRC government in maintaining order, the troops have often found themselves in direct confrontation with heavily armed rebel groups. The M23, accused of widespread human rights abuses, continues to pose a significant challenge to regional stability, with reports of their attacks increasing in recent months.

The loss of these soldiers has sent shockwaves across Malawi, a country with a proud tradition of contributing to international peacekeeping missions. The MDF has been widely praised for its professionalism and bravery in various United Nations missions, including those in Lebanon, Ivory Coast, and Sudan. The deaths are a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in the pursuit of global peace and security.

President Lazarus Chakwera and senior government officials have expressed their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, emphasizing their heroism and dedication to duty. “These brave men gave their lives in the service of peace. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten,” the President stated in a message of solidarity.

The incident also underscores the complexity of the situation in the DRC. The M23 rebels, allegedly supported by external actors, have intensified their attacks on both military and civilian targets. The group’s activities have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with calls for a stronger and more coordinated response to curb their influence.

As Malawi mourns the loss of its soldiers, questions arise about the safety and support provided to peacekeeping forces in high-risk areas. Analysts argue that the United Nations must reassess its strategies and provide more robust logistical and tactical support to ensure the safety of personnel on the ground.

The deaths of the three MDF soldiers serve as a stark reminder of the price paid in the quest for peace. Their sacrifice underscores the urgent need for a lasting solution to the conflict in the DRC, a region that has seen decades of violence and suffering. For Malawi, the loss is a national tragedy, but it is also a testament to the country’s unwavering commitment to global peacekeeping efforts.