CDF consoles family of fallen soldier
MWANZA: THE Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Jacob Mkunda, has delivered condolence on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to the parents of a Tanzanian soldier, who lost his life during a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) earlier this year.
The CDF explained that the tragic incident occurred on January 27th this year, when Tanzania’s peacekeeping troops engaged in intense fighting with M23 rebels in the eastern part of the DRC.
As a result, Tanzania lost two soldiers: Private John Nyewata and Sergeant Mohammed Abdallah.
“It has long been Tanzania’s tradition, dating back to the era of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, to send troops to countries experiencing instability to restore peace.
“As we speak now, Tanzania has peacekeeping troops in Lebanon, the Central African Republic, Mozambique and the DRC,” General Mkunda said.
He added that the peacekeeping operations are conducted under the auspices of organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), or the East African Community (EAC).
The bodies of the fallen soldiers arrived in Tanzania on February 12th. General Mkunda continued, “We paid our last respects at the Dar es Salaam-based Lugalo Military Base and the burial ceremony for Private John Nyewata took place the following day in Musoma District, Mara Region.”
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“We have come to Mwanza because this is where his parents reside. On behalf of President Samia, I am here to offer you her heartfelt condolences,” the CDF said as he presented a condolence package to the grieving family.
He assured the family that the deceased’s military rights, both as a Tanzanian soldier and a peacekeeper under the SADC umbrella, were being processed and would be submitted to the family soon.
General Mkunda also said that President Samia had sent him earlier this week to extend her condolences to the family of the late Sergeant Abdallah, whose burial ceremony was held in Kiembe Samaki, Zanzibar.
In response, Private John Nyewata’s father, Mr Nyewata Kibwe, expressed gratitude for the support from President Samia and the military.
“She could have chosen to remain silent, but her genuine compassion moved her to act. As a family, we are comforted, thankful and we pray that she continues fulfilling her duties smoothly,” he said.
“We are also thankful to the military for bringing our son’s body back to us. Likewise, we are deeply grateful to see you here, General Mkunda. It means a lot to us that you personally came, rather than delegating the responsibility,” Mr Kibwe added.
