Synopsis
Two Tanzanian peacekeepers were killed and four injured in ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC, stated the Tanzania People's Defense Forces. The soldiers were ambushed by rebels, while the TPDF remains committed to its peacekeeping mission despite the tragedy.Key Takeaways
- Two Tanzanian peacekeepers killed
- Four injured in ambush
- TPDF's commitment to peacekeeping reaffirmed
- EAC calls for ceasefire
- UN concerned over M23 rebels
Dar Es Salaam, Feb 3 (NationPress) Two Tanzanian peacekeepers have lost their lives and four others have been injured amidst the continuing strife in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a statement from the Tanzania People's Defense Forces (TPDF).
The report indicates that efforts are underway to repatriate both the deceased and the injured personnel back to Tanzania.
The soldiers fell victim to an ambush staged by the March 23 Movement rebels in the Saka and Goma regions of eastern DRC on January 24 and January 28, respectively, the statement further elaborated.
In spite of this unfortunate incident, the TPDF reiterated its dedication to the peacekeeping operations in the DRC, operating under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community and the United Nations, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
On January 29, the leadership of the East African Community (EAC) urged all conflict parties in eastern DRC to halt hostilities and implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, enabling access to humanitarian aid for displaced individuals.
The EAC comprises member states including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Previously, the United Nations expressed grave concern over the advancing M23 rebel group towards the South Kivu province in DRC.
"We are profoundly worried about the situation in South Kivu particularly, which remains extremely unstable, with credible reports indicating that the M23 is swiftly advancing toward Bukavu," stated Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a routine briefing. Bukavu serves as the capital of South Kivu province.
"Our colleagues in the peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) have reported activities suggesting cross-border movements of the Rwanda defence force in that area," he added.
From a political perspective, the spokesman noted that the leadership of the UN mission in DRC is intensifying its efforts to encourage a cessation of hostilities.
