6 African peacekeepers killed, 14 injured in Democratic Republic of Congo clashes

JOHANNESBURG / LILONGWE, Malawi 

Six soldiers from two African nations on a peacekeeping mission in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were killed in separate clashes with rebels, officials said Saturday.

Malawi Defense Force (MDF) spokesperson Maj. Emmanuel Mlelemba said three Malawian soldiers died Friday during an ambush by rebels. Arrangements are underway to repatriate the soldiers and give them a “befitting burial,” Mlelemba told reporters in Lilongwe.

Separately, the South African National Defense Union (Sandu) confirmed Saturday that three of its members were killed and 14 others injured in clashes with M23 rebels.

The South African soldiers were killed while Defense Minister Angie Motshekga was visiting Congo.

The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) has not yet issued an official statement. When contacted, a spokesperson said details would be released soon.

South Africa’s 2,900 soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Congo (SAMIDRC), which supports the Congolese government in its efforts to fight M23 rebels and bring stability to the restive eastern region.

The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo, capturing key towns and advancing toward Goma, capital of the North Kivu province. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has repeatedly denied claims of supporting the rebels.

Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes since clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels escalated late last year.

Nearly 6 million people have died in conflicts in Congo since 1996, according to reports.

In October, the UN’s International Organization for Migration reported that 7 million people remain internally displaced in Congo due to ongoing conflict and natural disasters.