4 Malawi soldiers killed in DRC peacekeeping, 10 others injured: UN says worst attack amounted to ‘war crime’
Four Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers have been killed while 10 others were injured in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where they were part of a United Nations Force Intervention Brigade peacekeeping mission.
The soldiers killed are Steven Kambalame (38) from Malawi Armed Forces College (Mafco) in Salima, Chauncy Chitete (29) and Benjamin Nsongela (29) from Moyale Barracks in Mzuzu and Simplex Taferakoso (31) from Changalume Barracks in Zomba were killed after a rebel ambush of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group blamed for a series of attacks.
The attack took place on Wednesday and their families have been informed, according to MDF public information officer Paul Chiphwanya.
Chiphwanya said the fallen soldiers would be repatriated home for burial in due course as the UN was currently finalising processes undertaken when such incidents happen.
“MDF has lost courageous, hard working and disciplined soldiers who were always ready to serve and ensure that peace prevails both within and outside the country,” said Chiphwanya in a statement made available to Nyasa Times.
The statement added: “MDF greatly mourns the deaths of these brave soldiers. We keep the families in our prayers during this difficult time.”
A UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday another UN peacekeeper is missing from the fighting near the city of Beni in North Kivu.
“Initial reports indicate that ten additional peacekeepers were wounded, and another one is missing,” said Dujarric, adding that several Congolese soldiers were also killed or wounded during the operations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the killing in a statement and called on armed groups to disarm immediately. Guterres said it was the worst attack on UN peacekeepers in recent history and amounted to a “war crime”.
“I want to express my outrage and utter heartbreak at last night’s attack. There must be no impunity for such assaults, here or anywhere else,” he said in quotes reported by BBC.
Kambalame came from Maya Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kachere in Dedza and is survived by a wife and two children while Chitete was from Peter Village, T/A Mwenemusiku in Chitipa. He is survived by a wife and three children.
Ntongela, on the other hand, is from Chakhawo Village, T/A Tengani in Nasanje and is survived by a wife and three children while Taferakaso is from Kaumphawi Village, T/A Nsamala in Balaka.
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May their souls be “RIP”
MTSRIP. may peace be the ultimate goal. u loved and protected innocent soauls in DRC with human heart who ned peace like here in malawi. i salute u all our heros. the idea of having a special place for ur resting is a good idea. we respect ur work
May the souls of the fallen heros rest in Peace. As Patriots we should be proud that our soldiers were doing a good job of peace keeping . This what a global word entails ; fostering peace where there is war. The UN and the government should make sure that the families of these fallen soldiers are taken care of. These 4 soldiers have died in combat while flying the Malawi and UN flags high. They are our heros and they deserve the respect of all Malawians. God bless Malawi!!
What do we benefit out of these operations? This is modern day colonisation. Our forefathers died in world war 1 and 2 protecting a white mans land. Today our brothers are dying just to protect a Whiteman’s diamond. Instead of protecting our lake where our brothers are harassed by TZ troops everyday. I miss Kamuzu. He wouldn’t have dared to send our troops to these dangerous places. Malawi linali dziko losagwela khani za eni of which it worked for us.
Is it true that everyday on the lake our brothers are harassed by TZ troops.?
Why sacrifice our lives for others. American s a insighting violence In DRC
@ Kambewa Chisale l agree with you that our soldiers dying in Congo not worth it. would have been better sacrificing their lifes for Malawi. My prayers to their families at this difficult time. MTSRIP
My father your always good to us hear our cry protect our dear friends soldiers.Covet them with your precious blood psalm 91 must be their weapon.May the fallen soldiers Rest in Peace
Sad
Mwina anthu asiye kukanganirana kupita ku DRC
Shame
Why send soldier to DRC to due. No clear agenda.the us is to blame for that. Stupid Americans
Dear Lord, as you always protect us , do so with our Soldiers in DRC!
AMEN