Mutharika says Malawi to continue sending soldiers on peace mission despite losing 6  ‘brave heroes’  in DRC

President Peter Mutharika has said Malawi Defence Force (MDF) troops will continue fighting for peace in the world despite losing six soldiers  who were part of UN peacekeepers  in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) supporting an offensive by local forces against an Islamist group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

Mourners broke into wailing..-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
Remains of Malawi soliders killed in DRC arrive home.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
President Mutharika consoles the bereaved families.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
Bodies of the slain soldiers lie in state at KIA.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
Tears of a General: MDF commander wipes his tears.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
The bodies of ‘brave heroes’ arrive home.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
Major Reverend Andrew Kamponda delivers his sermon.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana

Mutharika, who is also Commander-In-Chief of the MDF, said this at Kamuzu international Airport  (KIA) in Lilongwe as he paid his last respects and conveyed his condolences to the families of the six soldierswho  were  killed inDRC.

The plane carrying the fallen soldiers’ bodies touched down at Kamuzu International Airport in Malawi capital at exactly 11:58 local time.Each of the six caskets was draped in the UN flag.

The Malawi leader said the killing of its soldiers will never distract  Malawi’s support towards peacekeeping missions.

“Malawi is a peace loving country, where we train our soldiers to be instruments of peace and as a peaceful country we strive to join others to bring peace where there is war, love where there is hatred and hope where there is despair,” said Mutharika.

He described the six soldiers as “brave heroes” who sacrificed themselves to fight for peace and liberty.

Mutharika said Malawi will never be frightened by such coward acts by the rebels.

“Though our sacrifice is painful, neither death nor enemies will stop us from being who we are, which is warriors our peace both in the nation and all over the world,” he said in sombre mood.

Mutharika commended the Malawi militray for being an exemplary peace keeping force wherever it goes.

UN Resident Coordinator for Malawi Maria Jose Torres Macho expressed deep sadness over the deaths of the soldiers, describing them as brave individuals that dedicated their talents, skills, and life to support peace keeping missions in the world.

“We will ensure that the names of the fallen soldiers are always remembered as they did not die in vain but sacrificed their lives for peace,” said Macho.

Macho urged the Congolese government to continue taking action to bring the attackers to justice.

In his remarks,  Commander of MDF, General Griffin Supuni Phiri praised the fallen soldiers for their heroism saying they were full o flife and had so much to offer to the nation and their families.

“All those still fighting in DRC should continue to soldier on and never retreat for the greater good of humanity,” he said.

One of the widows Rachel Chitete who has a two week old baby lamented that her husband was the breadwinner of the family and she will have difficulties to take care of the family as a single paren.

The six soldiers are  Lt Aubrey Kachemwe, Coporal Jonathan Kapichira, Private Chauncey Chitete, Sergeant Steve Kambalame, Private Simplex Kafelakaso and Private Benjamin Songela.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack saying the killing of peacekeepers was unacceptable and constituted to war crimes.

The ADF is responsible for a series of attacks on civilians in recent months.

Eastern DRC has been plagued by banditry and armed insurrections for more than two decades, since the fall of the military ruler Mobutu Sese Seko, but there has been a surge in violence in the past year.

Much of the unrest has been blamed on the ADF, which analysts say is trying to develop links with other jihadists in Africa and beyond

Malawi contribute to the longstanding 17,000-member peacekeeping force in violence-prone parts of the DRC.

Countries contributing troops to UN peacekeeping missions are well paid for sending their personnel – about  $1,410 (£1,017) per month per soldier.

In recent years, the ADF has tried to align itself with better-known extremist groups, adopting a flag resembling that of Isis and using language popularised by al-Qaida.

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Socrates
Socrates
5 years ago

Bwera koni ku tchireko abale. Tikuferanji

Aka
Aka
5 years ago

Rev John Chilembwe questioned and said, nchifukwa chiyani munthu wakuda azikamenya nkhondo ku dziko la a pwitikizi? Kodi munthu wakuda nkhondo ikadzatha, adzapezapo phindu?
Those were pertinent questions. These United Nations and colleagues are fighting for minerals in DRC. These minerals are for making bombs, computer accessories and what have you.

Keen Observer
Keen Observer
5 years ago

Rest In Peace guys you did your part & you fought a good fight. Prayers to the bereaved families. My plea to all those concerned please when The United Nations pay the money for these slain soldiers make sure that even the last cent MUST reach their families. Osasolola Akuluakulu, this is the beginning of a tough road for these bereaved families but we believe that The Lord will hold them hands.

Shamwali uneee
5 years ago

MTSRIP. The General is only human and he cares for his juniors

Shamwali uneee
5 years ago

MTSRIP. The General is only human. it shows he cares for his juniors

CAPTAIN
CAPTAIN
5 years ago

Very proud of you heroes, REST IN PEACE. But we should not forget that they went for war,we should expect such at one time or another……………salute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chibgolopiyo
Chibgolopiyo
5 years ago

RIP

gloria
gloria
5 years ago

REST IN PEACE OUR GREAT HEROES

NAMBE
NAMBE
5 years ago

what a lose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CIA
CIA
5 years ago

May their souls rest in internal peace. Our Brave solders, we wil miss you guys. However, tikumangofera za eni ake mr president. This is is the WAR in which UN is fighting America. Why USA through CIA should continue funding Militias in DRC? USA is a sponsor of terrorism. Please USA leave us alone, we are tired with your behaviour of rooting our mineral resources by destablising african countires through Militias. This is not fake news: https://en.wikepedia.org/wiki/CIA_activities_in_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo

POOR MAN FEEL IT
5 years ago
Reply to  CIA

KODI NDALAMAZO NANUNSO OSAZIIKA MU MALAWI KWACHA BWANJI OSAFOTOKOZA KUTI MALAWI KWACHA NDI MWAKUTI AAAAAA

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