Thirteen foreign peacekeepers have been killed by M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including nine South Africans, three Malawians, and one Uruguayan. As violence escalates, the UN is evacuating non-essential personnel, and global leaders are urging for an end to hostilities. Displacement and civilian casualties continue to rise, prompting urgent calls for peace and stability.
Clashes between M23 rebels and peacekeeping forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have resulted in the deaths of thirteen foreign soldiers. The South African military confirmed that nine of its personnel perished while attempting to repel a rebel advance on Goma, alongside three Malawian soldiers and one from Uruguay. French President Emmanuel Macron has engaged with the leaders of both DRC and Rwanda amid growing international calls for an end to the escalating violence.
As fighting intensifies, the United Nations is evacuating non-essential staff from Goma, a city with over one million residents. In response to the increased conflict, a UN Security Council meeting, initially scheduled for Monday, has been rescheduled to Sunday. The M23 rebels have urged Congolese troops in Goma to surrender to prevent further bloodshed, as DRC has attributed the rebellion to its neighbor Rwanda, severing diplomatic ties accordingly.
The situation deteriorated further when M23 militants assassinated a Congolese military governor at the frontline. Early in January, the rebels captured significant eastern towns, including Minova and Masisi. Macron emphasized the necessity of ceasing hostilities during separate conversations with the leaders of DRC and Rwanda. The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Rwanda’s support of the M23 and called for the cessation of their advances.
Angolan President Joao Lourenco, acting as the African Union’s mediator between the involved nations, criticized both the M23 and its supporters for their actions, advocating for an immediate end to hostilities to safeguard civilians. Since the beginning of the year, fighting has worsened, resulting in substantial territorial gains for the rebels. The UN reports over 400,000 individuals have been displaced this year alone.
Local leaders allege that more than 200 civilians have died in areas under M23 control, and hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed with patients. Bishop Martin Gordon from Goma expressed that the protracted conflict has led to desperate calls for peace within the community. In light of escalating tensions, several countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and the US, have advised their citizens to exit Goma quickly.
Human Rights Watch has highlighted the increasing dangers faced by civilians amid clashes between the Congolese army and the M23, accusing both sides of extensive civilian rights violations. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region, especially in mineral-rich eastern DRC, where the M23 has gained significant control since 2021. While DRC and UN authorities assert that Rwanda backs the M23, the Rwandan government has neither confirmed nor denied this claim.
Historically, the M23 group emerged from another rebel faction and initially claimed to defend the Tutsi population in DRC’s eastern region. However, critics argue that Rwanda exploits the M23’s actions to plunder the region’s valuable minerals, such as gold and cobalt.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, with various armed groups, including the M23, vying for control over its mineral-rich eastern territories. The M23 formed in 2012 and has often been linked to Rwanda, which DRC accuses of supporting these rebels. Recent tensions have escalated since the start of the year, resulting in intensified fighting, a humanitarian crisis, and thousands of civilians displaced. Global powers are increasingly vocal about the need to restore peace in the region and protect civilians, which has become a humanitarian focal point.
In summary, the tragic deaths of thirteen foreign peacekeepers in clashes with M23 rebels underscore the escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. International leaders, including French President Macron, have called for an immediate end to the conflicts. The situation remains dire as humanitarian crises worsen, with significant civilian casualties. Continued support and intervention are vital to stabilize the region and restore safety for its inhabitants.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
