At least 13 foreign peacekeepers have died in clashes with M23 rebels in the DRC. The DRC has severed ties with Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the rebels. The conflict, which has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, involves over 100 armed groups. Recent fighting has heightened tensions and led to considerable loss of life among both local and foreign forces.
In recent clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at least 13 foreign peacekeepers have been killed while engaging with M23 rebels. The United Nations has confirmed these fatalities, highlighting an alarming escalation in violence as the M23 group encircles the crucial city of Goma. This city, home to around two million residents, serves as a key location for both security and humanitarian efforts within the region.
The M23 rebel group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, separated from the Congolese army over ten years ago and has become one of numerous armed factions striving for control over the resource-rich eastern DRC. The ongoing conflict in the region has precipitated one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, affecting millions of people. In light of escalating tensions, the DRC has accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23, resulting in the severance of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Rwanda refutes these accusations but acknowledged last year the presence of its troops along with missile systems in eastern Congo, attributing these actions to security precautions against perceived threats from Congolese forces. A military source from Congo remarked, “Rwanda is trying to get in by all means, but we are holding firm. It is war, there are losses everywhere… the population must remain calm, we are fighting.”
The DRC has withdrawn its diplomats from Rwanda and requested an end to diplomatic activities from Rwanda in Kinshasa. A UN Security Council meeting is set to address the growing violence, previously scheduled for later but expedited due to the recent killing of a Congolese military governor during an M23 assault.
In collaboration with allied forces, including UN troops and Southern African Development Community soldiers, the Congolese army reportedly thwarted an M23 offensive aimed at Goma. However, the surge in fighting has resulted in the deaths of nine South African peacekeepers, in addition to three Malawians and one Uruguayan, as confirmed by the United Nations.
The long-standing conflicts in eastern DRC over resources and land between various armed groups have claimed countless lives and displaced over seven million people. Notable militias involved include the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The UN peacekeeping mission in DRC, operational for over twenty years, consists of approximately 14,000 personnel, often recognized for their UN-blue helmets, popularly referred to as Blue Helmets.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been plagued by conflict stemming from a multitude of armed groups competing for territorial control and resources, particularly in its eastern regions. This turmoil has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and countless casualties recorded over the decades. The ongoing clashes not only threaten peace in the area but also endanger international peacekeeping forces deployed to stabilize the situation. The conflict dynamics are complicated by regional political tensions, particularly between the DRC and neighboring Rwanda, involving accusations of external support fueling local rebellions.
In summary, the violence in the DRC continues to escalate, notably marked by the tragic loss of foreign peacekeepers. Accusations of Rwandan involvement in the conflict have strained diplomatic ties, prompting military and diplomatic responses from the DRC. The broader humanitarian implications of these hostilities emphasize the urgent need for international attention and intervention to alleviate the ongoing crisis in the region.
Original Source: news.sky.com
