Tanzania’s military has confirmed the deaths of two of its soldiers and injuries to four others in recent clashes involving the M23 rebel group and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) along with allied militias, including FDLR, Wazalendo, mercenaries, and SADC forces.
According to an official statement, the incidents occurred between January 24 and January 28, 2025, in the areas of Goma and Sake.
The statement read, “Following multiple attacks in Sake and Goma, territories held by the armed M23 group between January 24 and 28, 2025, the Tanzanian military lost two soldiers while four others sustained injuries. The injured soldiers are receiving medical treatment in Goma.”
The Tanzanian military also announced that arrangements were being made for the transportation of the bodies of the deceased soldiers for an honorable burial. The repatriation process, along with medical care for the injured, will be conducted in collaboration with the SADC secretariat.
The statement further expressed condolences, saying, “May God grant a swift recovery to the injured and eternal peace to the souls of the fallen.”
The Tanzanian military emphasized its longstanding commitment to peacekeeping missions across various regions, operating under the United Nations and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Tanzanian troops have been deployed in conflict zones such as Lebanon, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Liberia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It highlighted that its engagement in eastern DR Congo is part of its mission to restore peace in the region, where M23 rebels are battling government forces. The deployment falls under the SADC Mission in DR Congo (SAMIDRC), aimed at stabilizing the conflict-ridden areas.
The military also reassured the public that its forces stationed in DR Congo remain secure and will continue to execute their mission per SADC directives.
The SAMIDRC mission in DR Congo has already suffered heavy casualties, with 14 South African soldiers and three Malawian troops confirmed dead in previous battles against M23 forces, particularly during the rebels’ attempts to capture Goma.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently stated that the South African soldiers who perished in DR Congo were allegedly killed by FARDC, raising concerns over the complexity of alliances in the conflict.
