The SADC Secretariat has disclosed that three Tanzanian soldiers, serving under a SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, lost their lives, with three additional soldiers sustaining injuries during an assault by rebels.
In a press release issued by SADC on Monday, April 8, it was reported that a South African soldier passed away while undergoing treatment for health complications at a hospital in Goma, DRC.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) deeply regrets to announce the passing of three of its soldiers and injury of three others in the United Republic of Tanzania.
This tragic incident occurred when a hostile mortar round landed near their camp.
Additionally, SAMIDRC regrets to inform the public of the passing of a South African soldier who succumbed to health complications while receiving treatment at a hospital in Goma, DRC.
The soldiers were deployed under the auspices of SADC as part of a regional response to address the unstable and deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC.
The SADC family extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the Governments of the Republic of South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania for the profound loss of the fallen soldiers. Additionally, we wish the three injured soldiers a swift recovery.
SAMIDRC remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate in accordance with the principles of collective self-defense and collective action outlined in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact (2003).
The primary objective of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), deployed on December 15, 2023, is to assist the Government of the DRC in restoring peace and security in the eastern region, which has been plagued by heightened conflicts and instability due to the resurgence of armed groups.
As part of SAMIDRC, a regional SADC force comprising soldiers from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania collaborates closely with the Congolese Army (FARDC) to counter the activities of these armed groups operating in the eastern DRC.
The deployment of SAMIDRC is in accordance with the principle of collective self-defense and collective action as stipulated in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact (2003).
According to this pact, any armed attack against one of the States Parties is deemed a threat to regional peace and security, necessitating prompt collective action.
Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu from the Republic of South Africa holds the position of Force Commander for SAMIDRC, overseeing the mission’s operations and coordination efforts.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Canal+ makes fresh $2.9bn formal offers to buy South Africa’s MultiChoice