6 Pakistani soldiers serving with UN mission killed in Congo crash

Islamabad: Six Pakistani soldiers were among the eight United Nations peacekeepers who died in a helicopter crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo on March 29, Pakistani officials and the UN peacekeeping mission confirmed.

The Pakistan Army helicopter Puma was deployed on peacekeeping duties with the United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The helicopter was on a reconnaissance mission when it went down over the province of North Kivu, where clashes have been taking place between the Congolese military and the rebel group known as M23.

Pakistan Army and the UN mission did not identify the cause of the crash and said an investigation is underway. However, Congo’s armed forces (FARDC) in a statement accused M23 of shooting down the helicopter.

Six of the crew members were from Pakistan, and two were from Russia and Serbia, the UN peacekeeping mission said. There were no survivors. A search and rescue operation recovered and brought back their bodies to Goma city. “We offer our condolences to the government and families” of the eight peacekeepers, UN Congo mission MONUSCO said on Tuesday.

Pakistan’s ministry of foreign affairs and UN mission is in constant touch with the UN authorities to facilitate and expedite the early repatriation of the mortal remains, and to ascertain the details and cause of the helicopter crash, officials said.

Condolences and respect

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of six Pakistan Army officers and soldiers and paid tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for world peace. In a condolence message, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Munir Akram said that the soldiers “made this ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the UN contingent. My heart goes out to the families of the martyrs.”

Pakistan’s role in UN peacekeeping

Pakistan foreign office extended “deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of maintaining international peace and security.” A total of 157 of Pakistan’s bravest peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty while serving in UN missions.

Since its first deployment to the Congo in 1960, Pakistan has consistently ranked as a top contributor, deploying more than 200,000 troops in almost every continent. “As one of the top troop-contributing countries, Pakistan deeply values the vital role played by the ‘blue helmets’ in maintaining security and stability in many conflict-ridden areas around the world.” Pakistan’s heroic dedication remains unparalleled even after 24 Pakistani troops lost their lives in 1993 in one of the worst attacks on UN mission in Mogadishu.