Tragic Mortar Attack in Eastern DR Congo Kills Three Tanzanian Soldiers

In a devastating turn of events in the Democratic Republic of Congo, three soldiers from a southern African military force have been killed following a mortar attack in the east of the country, as confirmed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday.

The soldiers, all hailing from Tanzania, were stationed in a camp when they came under hostile missile fire. The attack also left three others wounded, escalating the security concerns in the region which is already mired in conflict due to the presence of various rebel groups.

Details regarding the precise location or timing of the attack remain undisclosed, and the identities of the fallen soldiers have not been released. SADC has also refrained from attributing responsibility for this deadly incident.

The southern African regional force, to which the Tanzanian soldiers belonged, was deployed at the invitation of the Congolese government in an effort to address the deteriorating security situation. This initiative follows the resurgence of violence, particularly from the M23 rebel group which has gained control over significant parts of North Kivu province.

The situation in eastern DR Congo has forced thousands to flee their homes, seeking refuge in the regional main city of Goma amidst fears that the M23 could extend their control as they did briefly in 2012. This increasing insecurity comes at a time when the DR Congo government faces added pressure following its decision to expel the large UN peacekeeping force by the end of 2024.

In addition to the three Tanzanian casualties, SADC reported the death of a South African soldier in hospital due to health issues. This follows a separate incident in February where two South African soldiers were killed in a mortar barrage in North Kivu.

This recent attack underscores the volatile situation in eastern DR Congo and highlights the challenges faced by the SADC force as they contend with the myriad of militant groups vying for control over the region's rich mineral resources. The international community continues to watch closely as the situation unfolds, with hopes for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflicts in the area.