In eastern DRC, three South African peacekeepers were killed as fighting escalated between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The city’s stability is under threat despite international pressure for a ceasefire. The UN has begun evacuating personnel, and immediate diplomatic interventions are sought. Over 400,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing violence.
Three South African peacekeepers were killed amidst escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday, as clashes intensified between the Congolese army and M23 fighters supported by Rwanda. Despite international appeals to cease hostilities, the M23 insurgents continued their advance toward Goma, a vital city in the North Kivu province. An AFP journalist observed a damaged UN peacekeeping vehicle on the road where heavy fighting recently occurred, while daily life in Goma remained largely unaffected despite distant artillery fire.
Fighting has persisted around Goma for days, with the European Union urging M23 to retreat. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Rwanda’s military support of M23 as a breach of international law, emphasizing the dire humanitarian and security implications for Goma, which houses over one million residents. The situation worsened after failed peace negotiations, prompting the Angolan President to criticize the M23’s actions and their potential risks to regional stability.
The UN has initiated the evacuation of non-essential personnel from Goma due to the escalating conflict. Britain, the United States, and France have called for their citizens to leave the city immediately. Recently, MONUSCO’s Quick Reaction Forces have engaged in fierce combat with M23, employing heavy artillery against their positions as the UN mission comprises around 15,000 peacekeepers in the region.
In South Africa, the Democratic Alliance reported the death of three peacekeepers and injuries to 18 others during an M23 assault on Sake. South Africa had deployed 2,900 troops to the SADC mission in the DRC in 2023. The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting to address the ongoing crisis, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing concern over the resurgence of violence, which heightens the risk of regional conflict.
Since Thursday, over a hundred individuals have been treated for injuries in Goma, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis that has forced 400,000 people to flee their homes since January. Despite diplomatic efforts, the conflict persists, with unresolved issues between DRC and Rwanda. The M23 previously captured Goma in late 2012 but lost it after joint military efforts by the Congolese army and MONUSCO.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has been fueled by the M23 group, which claims to fight for the rights of Congolese Tutsi, and is alleged to receive military backing from Rwanda. The region is rich in natural resources, which has compounded tensions as both Rwanda and the DRC have accusations regarding territorial ambitions. Multiple ceasefires and diplomatic efforts have failed to establish lasting peace, leading to a humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement and casualties.
The situation in eastern DRC remains critical, with the recent deaths of South African peacekeepers underscoring the intense violence in the region. As international calls for peace persist, the humanitarian crisis deepens, and the threat posed by the M23 continues to loom over Goma and its inhabitants. The upcoming emergency UN Security Council session will aim to address this escalating conflict.
Original Source: www.france24.com
