President Peter Mutharika says his government will continue fighting for peace as it is a necessity for every citizen.

Mutharika said this in Lilongwe on Wednesday when he led Malawians in welcoming the bodies of six Malawi Defense Force (MDF) soldiers killed in last week’s military operation against rebels near the city of Beni in Democratic Republic of Congo.

The six were part of an 850-member MDF contingent mandated by the United Nations, alongside troops from South Africa and Tanzania, to neutralise armed groups in North Kivu.

Mutharika  said the soldiers died for a good cause of ensuring peace in Africa.

Speaking earlier, MDF Commander, General Griffin Supuni Phiri encouraged the remaining Malawian soldiers in DRC to keep on fighting.

In her remarks, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Marie Jose Torres said the UN has instituted an investigation into the military operation.

During the solemn occasion, a Tanzanian soldier sent a tribute to late Private Chancy Chitete who he said died while trying to save his life.

The fallen soldiers are Sgt. Kambalame, 30, who was based at the Malawi Armed Forces College in Salima, and he hailed from Maya village Traditional (TA) Kachere in Dedza district.

Late Private Chitete, 29, was based at Moyale Barracks in Mzuzu and he hailed from Peter village in Traditional Authority Mwenemisuku in Chitipa district. He survived by a wife and three children.

Private Taferakaso, 31, was based at Changalume Barracks in Zomba and he hailed from Kaumphawi village in Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka district.

Late Private Nsongela, 29, was based at Moyale Barracks in Mzuzu and he hailed from Chikhawo village, TA Tengani in Nsanje district. He survived by a wife and three children.

Two more soldiers who died later due to injuries in the fight were identified as Lieutenant Aubrey Kachemwe, 35, from Moyale Barracks in Mzuzu and Corporal Jonathan Kapichiri, 36, from Parachute Battalion in Salima.