GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo (AP) — Two Tanzanian soldiers have been killed in clashes with the M23 armed group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the past 10 days, Tanzanian military authorities confirmed Sunday. Four other Tanzanian soldiers were wounded in the attacks, which occurred on 24 and 28 January in Sake and Goma. The deaths come as the G7 foreign ministers condemned the M23 offensive, urging a ceasefire and withdrawal.
The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission deployed to address instability in the region. The M23, a militia allegedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified fighting in recent weeks, seizing Goma and threatening to advance toward Kinshasa.
DRC authorities have reported at least 773 people killed in Goma and surrounding areas within a week. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said Saturday that the figures are provisional as the rebels asked residents to clear the streets. “There should be mass graves and the Rwandans took care to evacuate theirs,” Muyaya said, adding that the death toll could rise.
M23 is one of over 100 armed groups operating in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. According to UN experts, approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops support the group. While the DRC military has pushed back the rebels in some areas, it has suffered heavy losses. Some foreign mercenaries reportedly surrendered to the rebels after the fall of Goma.
The G7 foreign ministers issued a statement strongly condemning the M23 offensive and calling for an end to all support for the group. “We, the G7 Foreign Ministers…and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive…and in particular, the capture of Minova, Saké and Goma,” the statement read.
They urged the M23 and the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) to cease hostilities, withdraw from captured areas, and commit to a peaceful resolution under the Luanda Process. The G7 expressed concern about the increasing number of displaced civilians and the worsening humanitarian situation in DRC, calling for unimpeded access for humanitarian relief. They reiterated support for the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) and condemned attacks against peacekeepers and diplomatic missions.
Gaudentius Ilonda, spokesperson for the Tanzanian People’s Defence Force (TPDF), said the wounded Tanzanian soldiers are receiving medical treatment in Goma and arrangements are being made to repatriate the bodies of the deceased soldiers. TPDF units continue their operations under SADC guidance.
