MDF honours fallen Sadc mission soldiers

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has posthumously honoured four soldiers killed during a Southern African Development Community (Sadc) peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Minister of Defence Feston Kaupa on Friday presided over the medal parade at Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe in honour of Sergeant Benjamin Chikwali, Corporal Nicholas Banda, Lance Corporal Chifundo Msumba and Private Frank Mussa who died in combat in 2024 while serving under the Sadc mission. The medals were presented to the fallen soldiers’ families.

The awards were initially scheduled to be conferred in the DRC, but were postponed due to the volatile security situation. Kaupa described the occasion as “bittersweet,” saying it honoured soldiers who answered a regional call to safeguard peace. He said: “Stability in the DRC is stability for the region and Malawi.

Instability there can spill across borders and undermine regional economic integration, compelling us to contribute troops. Regional economic integration cannot happen if there is instability in the region or neighbouring countries.” MDF Commander General George Jaffu said the contingent demonstrated courage and resolve during operations against rebel groups. “Your service and sacrifice have not gone unnoticed.

[paywall]

Your commitment to regional peace and stability is a source of pride for Malawi and Sadc,” he said. Malawi alongside Tanzania and South Africa deployed troops to the DRC as part of a peacekeeping mission to fight the M23 rebels operating in Eastern DRC.

[/paywall]