Two Tanzanian soldiers among 20 dead peacekeepers in eastern Congo

By Our Correspondent,  DAR ES SALAAM,  Tanzania 

Tanzania on Sunday February 2, confirmed the death of its two soldiers in conflict-hit eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Acting Director of Information and Relations of TPDF, Colonel Gaudentius Ilonda

The Tanzanian People’s Defense Force (TPDF) said its two soldiers were killed during attacks by M23 rebels in the town of Sake and Goma on Jan. 24 and Jan. 28, respectively. Four others were injured in the attacks.

The statement issued by the Acting Director of Information and Relations of TPDF, Colonel Gaudentius Ilonda, stated that procedures are being carried out to return the bodies of the deceased to Tanzania for burial while the injured continue with treatment in the city of Goma before being returned to the country for further treatment.

"Following the series of attacks in the areas of Sake and Goma carried out by M23 rebels on 24 and 28 January 2025, the Tanzania People's Defense Force has lost two of its soldiers and four were injured." Confirmed Colonel Ilonda.

He said that TPDF continues with its mission to maintain peace under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community in Eastern DRC (SAMIDRC), an area that has been hit by a conflict that has sparked attacks between the M23 Rebels fighting the DRC Army (FARDC) in those areas.

With confirmation coming from Tanzania, at least 20 peacekeepers have been killed in eastern Congo since last week after violence erupted when M23 launched a major offensive against the Congolese army, leading to heavy clashes in and around Goma.

Fourteen of the 20 slain peacekeepers are from South Africa.

According to the UN, the fighting has left at least 700 people dead and 2,800 injured over the past five days.