Thirteen peacekeepers were killed in clashes with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The conflict has led to international condemnation and calls for peace as violence escalates, resulting in large-scale displacement and increasing risks to civilians. Tensions with Rwanda and accusations of external support for the M23 further complicate the situation, impacting humanitarian conditions severely.
Thirteen peacekeepers lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to confrontations with the M23 rebel group. The South African military reported that nine of their soldiers were killed in efforts to repel the insurgents near Goma. Additionally, three soldiers from Malawi and one from Uruguay were also victims of the violence.
In light of the escalating conflict, French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in discussions with the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, urging for a cessation of hostilities. The United Nations is withdrawing non-essential personnel from Goma as the situation becomes more precarious. A scheduled UN Security Council meeting regarding the clashes has been moved forward due to the urgency of the matter.
The M23 has demanded that Congolese forces in Goma surrender to prevent further bloodshed. Meanwhile, DR Congo has severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the rebellion. The violence has intensified following the recent killing of a military governor by the M23 fighters, and the group has made significant territorial gains in recent months.
International leaders, including the EU’s Kaja Kallas and Angolan President Joao Lourenco, have condemned the actions of the M23 and called for the immediate end of hostilities to protect civilians. The conflict has resulted in over 400,000 individuals being displaced, with evidence of significant civilian casualties reported by local sources.
Martin Gordon, an Anglican bishop in Goma, voiced concerns regarding the prolonged conflict, emphasizing the urgent desire for peace among the people. In the wake of increasing violence, multiple countries have advised their citizens to evacuate Goma due to safety concerns, with warnings of severe humanitarian implications emerging from the ongoing struggle.
The M23, formed from a prior rebel group in 2012, has been accused of operating with support from Rwanda in an effort to exploit eastern Congo’s rich mineral resources. Although Rwanda has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement, tensions remain high, with allegations persisting regarding their role in the escalation of the violence.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict involving the M23 rebel group for many years, with recent escalations leading to increased violence and a humanitarian crisis. The M23 group originated in 2012, claiming to protect the Tutsi population in the region but has since been accused of various human rights violations. The group’s activities have resulted in significant population displacement and international outcry, with regional dynamics further complexified by the alleged support from Rwanda.
The recent killings of thirteen foreign peacekeepers by the M23 rebels highlight the severity of the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. International leaders have condemned the violence and called for an end to hostilities, while the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The involvement of foreign entities and ongoing disputes underscore the complexities of achieving peace in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
