Kenyan president condemns killing of Tanzanian peacekeepers in DRC

NAIROBI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday condemned the killing of Tanzanian soldiers who were part of a United Nations peacekeeping force in the restive Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Kenyatta said in a letter to his Tanzanian counterpart John Magufuli said the deadliest attack in the UN's recent history on the soldiers, who were serving the good cause of establishing sustainable peace in the DRC, was vile.

"He condoled with the families who lost relatives in the attack and wished quick recovery to those who were injured," the presidency said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

The 15 Tanzanian blue helmets including five DRC soldiers were killed and others injured when they were ambushed by an armed militia group in North Kivu region of the DRC.

The Thursday night's attack, reportedly by anti-government forces, on a peacekeeping base in North Kivu province is the worst in recent UN history.

Since its establishment in 2010, Monusco has recorded 93 fatalities in military, police and civilian personnel, according to the UN. The attack left 15 Tanzanian blue helmets and five DRC soldiers dead.

Kenyatta said Kenya will continue partnering with Tanzania to boost the stability of the DRC as well as the wider Great Lakes region.

He said the government and people of Kenya will stand with the government and people of Tanzania in seeking a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.

President Kenyatta said Kenya appreciates the crucial role played by peacekeepers since it has participated in many peacekeeping missions. Enditem