Tanzania's army has confirmed the deaths of two soldiers in recent clashes in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The fatalities occurred during attacks by the M23 rebel group, which has taken control of Goma and threatens to advance toward Kinshasa, raising concerns among global observers.
The region, rich in minerals, has been plagued by ongoing violence involving multiple armed groups. Tanzanian troops, deployed under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission, have been actively engaged in the conflict.
According to army spokesperson Gaudentius Ilonda, the Tanzanian People’s Defence Force (TPDF) lost two soldiers in rebel offensives near Sake and Goma on January 24 and 28, 2025. Four others sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment in Goma. Despite the losses, Tanzanian forces remain operational under SADC's directives.
Ilonda confirmed that arrangements are being made to repatriate the fallen soldiers. The broader conflict has also resulted in casualties among other SADC forces, including 13 South Africans, three Malawians, and one Uruguayan soldier.
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SADC has proposed a joint summit with the East African Community (EAC) to address the escalating crisis. In response, Rwanda stated its willingness to engage in discussions but criticized SADC’s intervention in the DRC.
Although Kigali denies direct involvement with M23, a 2024 UN report alleges that Rwanda has stationed approximately 4,000 troops in eastern DRC, exerting "de facto" control over the group. Rwanda, in turn, accuses DRC of harboring the FDLR, a militia formed by ex-Hutu leaders linked to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
