Thirteen peacekeepers were killed in clashes with M23 rebels in DR Congo. The UN is evacuating staff from Goma as violence escalates. Diplomatic relations between DR Congo and Rwanda have soured amidst accusations of support for the rebels, and the fighting has displaced over 400,000 people this year alone.
Thirteen foreign peacekeepers have tragically lost their lives due to confrontations with rebels belonging to the M23 group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The South African military confirmed that nine soldiers, along with three Malawian and one Uruguayan peacekeepers, were killed while attempting to counter an advancing rebel force near the critical city of Goma. French President Emmanuel Macron has actively engaged with the leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda, seeking an end to the ongoing violence.
As the conflict escalates, the United Nations (UN) is evacuating non-essential personnel from Goma, a densely populated city of over one million residents. The UN Security Council has hastily rescheduled its meeting regarding these deadly clashes, moving it from Monday to Sunday in response to the intensifying situation. Meanwhile, the M23 group has urged Congolese troops to surrender to prevent further bloodshed, as diplomatic relations between DR Congo and Rwanda have deteriorated amidst accusations regarding Rwanda’s involvement in the rebellion.
The recent violence further escalated when M23 fighters executed a Congolese military governor at the frontline. The group has successfully seized control of critical eastern towns, leading to shipments of displaced persons. As the conflict unfolds, President Macron continues to call for peace in his discussions with both nations’ leaders. The EU foreign policy chief has urged M23 to cease its offensive and condemned Rwanda’s alleged support of the militants.
Angolan President Joao Lourenco, acting as the African Union’s mediator, has also condemned the actions of M23 and called for an “immediate cessation” of hostilities to safeguard civilian lives. The violence and territorial conquests by M23 have displaced over 400,000 individuals this year alone. Reports indicate over 200 civilian fatalities in areas under M23 control, signaling a dire humanitarian situation with hospitals struggling to address the overwhelming number of patients seeking care.
Martin Gordon, an Anglican bishop in Goma, highlighted the prolonged nature of the conflict, stating that the struggles have persisted for too long. Several countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and the United States, have advised their citizens to evacuate Goma amid deteriorating conditions. Human Rights Watch cautioned regarding escalating civilian risks and has accused both the Congolese army and M23 of severe abuses towards civilians during the conflict.
The conflict between the M23 rebels and DR Congo’s government forces has historical roots tied to ongoing ethnic tensions and regional instability. Since its formation in 2012, M23 has sought to protect the Tutsi population while exploiting mineral wealth in eastern DR Congo. Given the complex interplay of rebel groups, local politics, and foreign influences from nations like Rwanda, the situation remains highly volatile, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis compounded by displacement and violence against civilians.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains dire following the death of 13 foreign peacekeepers amidst escalating clashes between M23 rebels and government forces. International condemnation grows, with calls for peace and humanitarian assistance as the conflict continues to displace hundreds of thousands and threatens civilian lives. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, yet the roots of the conflict complicate prospects for a peaceful resolution.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
