The Malawi government has not made official communication following the confirmed deaths of three Malawian soldiers in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The soldiers were part of a multinational peacekeeping force battling M23 rebels near Goma, a vital city in the mineral-rich North Kivu province.
Rising Death Toll
The death toll from the intense fighting has risen to 13, including nine South African soldiers, three Malawian soldiers, and one Uruguayan peacekeeper. These troops were deployed under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional force and the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).
South Africa’s National Defense Force (SANDF) reported that its soldiers were killed while resisting an M23 offensive aimed at capturing Goma. “The M23 hostile forces launched a full-scale attack on our troops with the intention of taking over Goma, but they were unable to advance due to the heroic resistance of our gallant fighters,” SANDF said in a statement.
Criticism of Malawi’s Silence
Despite the tragic loss of Malawian lives, the country’s Ministry of Homeland Security has not issued a formal statement, leaving families and the public in the dark. Spokesman for the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), Emmanuel Mlelemba, confirmed the deaths but provided limited details, describing the situation in eastern Congo as volatile.
Civil society groups and opposition leaders have condemned the government’s lack of transparency. “The silence from our leaders is unacceptable. These soldiers died serving their nation and the region, and the government owes their families and the nation an explanation,” said activist Clara Banda.
Regional and International Reactions
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) condemned the attack on its mission, emphasizing that such acts threaten the stability and sovereignty of the DRC and the entire region. Moussa Faki Mahamat, chair of the African Union Commission, called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all parties to end hostilities and focus on peace negotiations.
The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its campaign, capturing key territories and displacing over 400,000 people in 2025 alone, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). Rwanda has denied accusations of supporting the group, further straining regional relations.
A Nation Awaits Update
As regional leaders work to address the crisis, Malawians are demanding acknowledgment of their soldiers’ sacrifices. The continued silence of the government has raised questions about its commitment to transparency and respect for those who serve in peacekeeping missions.