Three South African peacekeepers were killed in eastern DRC as fighting intensified between the Congolese army and M23 rebels. The EU condemned Rwanda’s involvement, urging for withdrawal and expressing grave concerns over humanitarian impacts in Goma. The UN has begun evacuations from the area as the Security Council plans an emergency meeting to address the escalating conflict.
Three South African peacekeepers have been killed amid escalating fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between the Congolese army and Rwandan-supported M23 rebels. Despite international appeals for a ceasefire, clashes have intensified around Goma, a crucial city in North Kivu province. Violence peaked following unsuccessful Angolan-led peace talks, with the M23 making significant advances in the region.
On the ground, the United Nations peacekeeping forces reported engaging in fierce combat with M23 fighters. An armored vehicle belonging to the UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO was seen destroyed on the road between Goma and Sake, highlighting the intensity of the current conflict. While shops remained open in Goma, the sounds of distant artillery fire created an atmosphere of tension in the city.
Significantly, the European Union condemned Rwanda’s military involvement, calling for it to withdraw its support for the M23 rebels. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the unacceptable threat posed to Goma, underscoring the humanitarian implications if hostilities continued. Simultaneously, the UN has initiated the evacuation of non-essential personnel from Goma due to safety concerns.
South Africa’s Democratic Alliance reported that three of its peacekeepers lost their lives and eighteen others were wounded following a M23 attack on a military base in Sake. This contingent was part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission, which deployed approximately 2,900 troops earlier this year. The UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to evaluate the ongoing crisis.
As fighting escalates, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the increased violence, warning of potential regional war. Incidents of violence have reportedly displaced over 400,000 individuals since January, with the International Committee of the Red Cross treating hundreds of injured persons in Goma. Recent diplomatic initiatives to resolve the conflict have been unsuccessful, with repeated ceasefires failing to hold.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced decades of conflict, largely driven by armed groups such as M23, which receives external support, notably from Rwanda. The ongoing violence has significant humanitarian consequences, displacing thousands and aggravating regional instability. Efforts to broker peace have frequently faltered, leaving the situation in eastern DRC highly precarious. The M23 rebel group previously occupied Goma in 2012 before being driven out by Congolese forces with international assistance. Currently, the M23’s resurgence poses a serious threat to Goma, which is home to a substantial population. Diplomatic attempts to mediate this conflict have met with limited success, reflecting the complexity and entrenched nature of the issues at play. International criticism of Rwanda’s actions has intensified, highlighting the geopolitical stakes involved in the resource-rich eastern DRC. The situation remains fluid and requires concerted international attention to prevent further deterioration.
In summary, the recent deaths of South African peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid escalating violence illustrate the severe instability in the region. The ongoing conflict raises significant humanitarian concerns and indicates an urgent need for effective diplomatic interventions. The international community’s response and the ability to facilitate peace talks will be crucial in determining the future stability of Goma and surrounding areas.
Original Source: www.france24.com
