Patience Lunda & Jarson Malowa:
The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has said the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is still highly unstable as fighting remains intense.
The combat in DRC has led to the deaths of three MDF soldiers and nine South African soldiers.
A communique released by MDF, signed by Major General Saiford Kalisha, gives the status of MDF troops deployed on the DRC mission under Southern African Development Community (Sadc).
Kalisha says in the statement that Malawian troops have made significant contributions to stopping and pushing back the rebel group and their efforts have been regarded as vital.
“In pursuant to regional obligation and in line with dictates of collective security as encouraged by the United Nations (UN), MDF contributed troops on a mission to bring peace and security in DRC under Sadc. The force has been tasked to restore peace and security in the region and this entails protecting civilians, preventing conflict, strengthening security and empowering Congolese authorities,” the statement reads.
Sadc earlier sent their condolences and condemned the attacks on the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo by the M23 armed group.
According to Sadc, the attacks undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity and peace and security of the DRC and the Sadc region.
Fighting between the M23 and DRC’s army has intensified since the start of the year, with the rebels seizing control of more territories than ever.
According to the United Nations, more than 400,000 people have fled their homes since the start of this year as the M23 advances on the city of Goma.
This far, more than 200 civilians have been killed in areas captured by the M23 and two children died after bombs fell on a camp for displaced people.
