Violence has escalated in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the deaths of three South African peacekeepers amid clashes between the Congolese military and M23 rebels. International appeals for calm have not deterred the advancing rebel forces threatening Goma. The situation remains grave, with significant humanitarian and security implications as diplomatic resolutions struggle to take root in the region.
Three South African peacekeepers have recently been killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during escalating hostilities between the Congolese army and Rwandan-supported M23 rebels. The violence intensified despite international calls for the M23 to cease its advance towards Goma, a crucial city in the region that is home to over a million people. Following unsuccessful Angolan-mediated peace negotiations, M23 and Rwandan forces have been making significant territorial gains, approaching Goma and enhancing local tensions.
On the ground, signs of conflict are visible, with reports of smoldering vehicles belonging to the UN peacekeeping force, MONUSCO. Although shops in Goma appeared operational, distant artillery fire was audible, indicating ongoing clashes less than 10 kilometers from the city. Intense fighting has ensued since Thursday across multiple fronts surrounding Goma, putting immense pressure on the city and raising concerns about humanitarian impacts.
The European Union has publicly urged the M23 to stop its advance and withdraw immediately, condemning Rwanda’s involvement as a flagrant violation of international law and DRC’s sovereignty. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed grave concerns about the humanitarian and security implications of a potential M23 takeover of Goma. Furthermore, the Angolan President Joao Lourenco condemned the actions of the M23 and its backers, emphasizing the risk they pose to regional stability.
In response to the escalating situation, the United Nations commenced evacuating non-essential personnel from Goma, with several nations advising their citizens to leave the city. MONUSCO’s Quick Reaction Forces have engaged in heavy combat, with artillery targeting M23 positions amid the hostilities. The recent conflict has resulted in casualties, with reports indicating that three South African peacekeepers were killed and 18 others injured following a rebel assault.
An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council is scheduled to address the crisis, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed alarm at the resurgence of violence, warning that it could catalyze regional warfare. The International Committee of the Red Cross has treated over a hundred individuals injured since Thursday, and almost 400,000 people have been displaced by the ongoing violence in the area.
The situation in Goma reflects a historical pattern of conflict persisting over the last 30 years, with the M23 previously seizing the city in 2012 before being ousted. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the current crisis have faltered, as shown by the collapse of peace talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Rwanda is accused by the DRC of seeking control over its mineral-rich eastern regions, a claim Rwanda denies.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced decades of conflict, particularly in its eastern provinces, which are rich in natural resources. The emergence of armed groups, including the M23, often backed by external nations like Rwanda, has led to ongoing instability and humanitarian crises in the region. International diplomatic efforts have intermittently attempted to address these issues, but tangible peace has remained elusive, exacerbating the suffering of the civilian population. The complex interplay of local grievances, foreign interests, and overlapping conflicts poses a persistent challenge to achieving lasting peace.
In summary, the situation in eastern DRC is dire, with recent fatalities among South African peacekeepers highlighting the escalating conflict between local forces and the M23 rebels. The international community’s calls for restraint have thus far gone unheeded, and the consequences of this conflict threaten both regional stability and humanitarian well-being. As diplomatic efforts continue to falter, the need for effective solutions is increasingly urgent to mitigate the ongoing violence and suffering in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
