PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete sent a message of condolences to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Davis Mwamunyange, following the deaths of three soldiers with Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF) last week in Darfur, Sudan.

"I have received with shock, sadness and extreme grief news of the deaths of three TPDF soldiers, who were among peacekeeping forces in Dafur, Sudan, which I have been informed occurred last Sunday," a State House statement quoted President Kikwete as saying.

"The deaths bring more sorrow because they died in action, while executing the noble duty to the nation, Africa and the entire humanity. "Their role in Darfur included protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid and helping the political process in Darfur," he said, adding that:

"Following the deaths, I extend my heartfelt condolences to their families, relatives and friends. "I am with them at this difficult moment. I join them in prayers to God so that their souls rest in eternal peace."

The three soldiers were part of 850 Tanzanian peacekeeping force in Darfur, Sudan. According to a statement issued by the State House in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the three soldiers drowned when strong currents swept away their vehicle when crossing a river at Hamada village in Manawasha area of Darfur.

Two bodies of the deceased were found but the third one is still missing. The statement noted that the president through General Mwamunyange has also extended his condolences to all men and commanders of TPDF and Tanzanian peacekeeping force in Darfur.