Latest Defense News 

Africa

Mortar fire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed the lives of three Tanzanian soldiers who were part of a Southern Africa force deployed to assist government troops combatting M23 rebels.

The regional force, comprised of soldiers from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi, was sent to North Kivu province in December to support Kinshasa's efforts to regain control from the M23 militia in the volatile eastern region.

According to a statement from the 10-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC), the unfortunate incident occurred when a hostile mortar round struck near the soldiers' camp, resulting in casualties. Details surrounding the incident remain scarce.

Additionally, a South African soldier has also succumbed to health problems while receiving treatment in hospital.

The M23 rebellion, predominantly composed of Tutsi fighters, reemerged in late 2021, seizing large portions of North Kivu province. The region has long been plagued by violence stemming from conflicts dating back to the 1990s.

Accusations have been leveled against Rwanda by the DRC, the UN, and Western nations, alleging support for the rebels in an attempt to gain control over the region's abundant mineral resources. Rwanda denies these allegations.

The regional force, which suffered its initial losses in mid-February with the deaths of two South African soldiers due to mortar fire near the provincial capital Goma, was intended to replace an East African peacekeeping force. Kinshasa terminated the mandate of the previous force, accusing it of colluding with the rebels rather than combating them.

Meanwhile, the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) is undergoing a phased withdrawal. At the request of the Kinshasa government, which perceives them as ineffective, the 15,000-strong UN contingent began departing in February and is expected to complete its withdrawal by year's end.

Recent reports indicate that M23 rebels have made further territorial gains in the east following the abandonment of positions by Indian UN troops near Goma. MONUSCO has issued warnings of escalating volatility as M23 forces advance towards the northern outskirts of Sake, located approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Goma.

Residents have reported exchanges of artillery fire between M23 fighters and Congolese forces over the weekend around Sake and the western outskirts of Goma.

The conflict in eastern DRC underscores the ongoing challenges faced by regional and international forces in stabilizing the region and addressing the root causes of violence and instability. Despite efforts to quell the rebellion and protect civilians, the situation remains precarious, with civilian populations bearing the brunt of the conflict's impact.

As the regional force grapples with casualties and logistical hurdles, and MONUSCO continues its phased withdrawal, the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the conflict in eastern DRC becomes increasingly apparent. However, achieving lasting peace and stability in the region remains a formidable task requiring concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved.