Malawi army issue stern warning to rumour mongers on social media
Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has warned rumour mongers on social media to desist on circulating fake news that more of its soldiers have died following an announcement that four were missing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
There is still more stress, pain and panic in the MDF since the death of six soldiers and now one of the four missing soldiers – Corporal George Salim – has been found alive.
Those still missing are Sergeant Chancy Mwakalenga, Sergeant Boniface Noah and Lance Corporal Gift Nkhoma.
Eight more soldiers are hospitalised after they suffered injuries in an attack in the war-torn country.
MDF spokesman Paul Chiphwanya said reports which were circulating on social media that four soldiers which were missing were found dead and burnt were “false” and were neither released by MDF nor the United Nations.
“The MDF, therefore, warns those that fabricated the information to desist from doing so as their action had a major impact on the affected families, the Malawi Defence Force and the entire nation,” reads the statement made available to Nyasa Times.
The military has warned that it will do everything possible to identify the “perpetrators “and, once caught, “the long arm of the law will take its course.
MDF has since urged the public to “remain calm” as the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in DRC authorities have employed all “necessary steps” to establish the whereabouts of the remaining three missing soldiers.
“The MDF will continue updating the general public on any progress made,” the statement said.
The injured, who have been hospitalised at Entebbe in Uganda, include Sergeant Dan Chilenje, Corporal Malijani Selo, Lance Corporal Mautanga, Private Anthony Mwamadi, Private Moses Mdala and Private Damson Nkhoma.
The MDF soldiers are part of an 850-strong MDF contingent serving as United Nations peace keeping mission under the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).
Under the FIB, the Malawi troops are operating along other peacekeepers from Tanzania and South Africa charged with the mission to neutralise armed groups in DRCs.
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The reason why African nations are tasked by the UN to deploy their soldiers in the DRC is because the DRC is in Africa and Africans know their own continent best. European nations deployed their forces in the Balkans when there was trouble there in the 90s. Unfortunately Muslim terrorists are active virtually everywhere these days and many countries. including in Africa, have had and continue to have more than their fair share of their terror activities.
Nyasa Times, the word “panic” should not have used in the article as it does not convey the actual mood of the service men.
Don’t make childish comments on this issue.Malawi has an obligation to the international community…good development from MDF..
It pains us loosing our brothers when the perpetrators of violence are enjoying peace and life. They know what they are fighting for. If the DRC president had a welfare of his people at heart 20 yrs down the line solution would have been reached. Kwa inu when you attend the funeral and praise the fallen soldiers as ‘Brave Worrier’s’ you forget. Remember these brothers had families, relatives and extended relations as well as blessers to the needy which cannot be covered by compensation. Life is priority for everyone. Protect our brothers lives as yours. They joined the army to… Read more »
Shaaaaaaaaa!!!! zovuta kwabasi…..
We cannot keep quiet unless we pull out from DRC
The Truth of the matter is that the whole platoon was hit. No need to threaten as the victims are our blood. How do u keep quiet when you relative is missing.
How do you know that it was the whole platoon which was hit? Were you on the ground on the opposite side, meaning with the rebels to deduce it was the whole platoon?
Abale bwerakoni kumeneko. Tikuferanji
There has never been peace in DRC since Mobutu was deposed, so which “peace” is UN keeping?
Tell us may be about peace enforcement.
M23 rebels and other factions r native Congolese who r genuinely fighting the Kabila dynasty.
The UN should tell Kabila to step aside and allow all disgruntled factions to participate in a free and fair election.
Why do people behave so bad like this? Always with you dear friends,there are wpme of us who really appreciate the job you are doing