Three U.N. peacekeepers from South Africa were killed in clashes with M23 rebels in eastern Congo, exacerbating an already volatile situation. The major incursion by M23 has led to the siege of Goma, prompting the U.N. to relocate nonessential staff while maintaining essential operations. The conflict, driven by local armed groups and international allegations of outside support, aggravates a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
GOMA, Congo (AP) — Three South African U.N. peacekeepers lost their lives during confrontations with M23 rebels in eastern Congo, according to confirmations from a political party and a trade union. The casualties occurred on Thursday, as the rebel group has recently intensified its military operations, encircling the city of Goma, which is home to nearly two million residents and serves as a crucial hub for humanitarian efforts.
In a response to escalating violence, the United Nations announced the temporary relocation of nonessential personnel from Goma to ensure their safety. However, they stated that essential staff will remain to support critical operations such as food distribution, medical aid, and protection for vulnerable communities affected by the conflict.
The M23 rebel faction, among approximately 100 armed groups contesting control in mineral-rich eastern Congo, seized control of the town of Sake, located just 27 kilometers from Goma, as reported by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s second-largest political party, confirmed the deaths of the peacekeepers and reported that at least 18 soldiers from the South African National Defense Forces sustained injuries during the clashes.
The situation has garnered international scrutiny, particularly with commentary from Kate Hixon, Advocacy Director for Africa at Amnesty International USA. Hixon stated, “The Rwandan-backed M23 is clearly exploiting the presidential transition in the U.S. to advance on Goma—putting thousands more civilians at risk.” Meanwhile, South Africa’s Defense Minister, Angie Motshekga, was visiting troops in Congo on the day the peacekeepers were killed.
Allegations of Rwandan support for M23 continue to be a point of contention, with the Congolese government, the U.S., and U.N. experts accusing Rwanda of backing the group. Although Rwanda denies these claims, it has acknowledged maintaining personnel in eastern Congo due to security concerns, amid fears of increased hostilities from Congolese forces along the border.
Last year, two South African soldiers died from a mortar explosion in eastern Congo while participating in a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission aimed at assisting Congo’s army against the rebels. Since 2021, various forces, including SADC and U.N. troops, have worked to prevent M23 from advancing toward Goma, but tensions remain high.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission, known as MONUSCO, has been active in Congo for more than two decades and currently deploys around 14,000 personnel in an effort to stabilize the region. This latest violence marks a significant chapter in the ongoing conflict that has triggered one of the largest humanitarian crises worldwide.
The ongoing fighting in eastern Congo, particularly involving the M23 rebel group, is rooted in a complex history of ethnic conflict and competition for resources in the region. The M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda, which adds an international dimension to the conflict. The Democratic Republic of Congo has struggled with instability, and despite the presence of U.N. peacekeepers for over two decades, violence persists, creating a devastating humanitarian situation for millions of people. The city of Goma, viewed as a significant strategic area due to its population and logistical importance for relief operations, has been frequently contested. The U.N. peacekeeping forces, tasked with maintaining security, have faced increased challenges as armed groups vie for control amid a backdrop of sociopolitical tensions and international rivalries.
The deaths of three South African peacekeepers during clashes with M23 rebels highlight the perilous security situation in eastern Congo, where ongoing territorial gains by the rebel group threaten the stability of Goma and its surrounding areas. The U.N. response, combined with international outcry about the mounting humanitarian crisis, underscores the need for a sustained commitment to peace and security efforts in the region. As tensions continue to escalate, the involvement of various military and humanitarian agencies remains critical to safeguarding vulnerable populations amidst the conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
