Peacekeepers Fall Amid Escalating Conflict in Eastern DR Congo

The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in the deaths of thirteen peacekeepers from various nations during recent clashes with M23 rebels. As tensions rise, international leaders urge for an end to the violence, with the UN taking steps to protect personnel and civilians.

Thirteen soldiers from international peacekeeping forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been killed during intense clashes with the M23 rebel group. The South African military confirmed the deaths of nine of its soldiers, while three soldiers from Malawi and one from Uruguay were also lost in the violence that has escalated near the city of Goma in eastern Congo.

Global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have shown concern regarding the rising violence. Macron has communicated with the presidents of DR Congo and Rwanda, echoing widespread calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Amid the intensifying fighting, the United Nations has evacuated non-essential personnel from Goma, where over one million people reside.

The M23 group has issued calls to Congolese troops in Goma to surrender, aiming to avert further bloodshed. This comes on the heels of DR Congo severing diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing the neighboring country of supporting the rebellion. The situation further escalated last Thursday when M23 fighters killed a Congolese military governor at the frontline.

The United Nations Security Council hastened a meeting regarding the crisis, now scheduled one day earlier on Sunday. Notably, the conflict has resulted in over 400,000 people fleeing their homes since the beginning of the year. Local officials report more than 200 civilian casualties in areas claimed by the M23, with hospitals in Goma seeing a rising influx of patients due to the violence.

Martin Gordon, an Anglican bishop in Goma, expressed the community's frustration, highlighting calls for lasting peace in a conflict that has persisted for too long. As international tensions mount, countries such as the UK, France, Germany, and the US have advised their citizens to leave Goma.

The humanitarian organization Human Rights Watch has raised alarms about the escalating risks faced by civilians amid the strife between the Congolese army and M23 rebels, condemning abuse by both sides. The M23 group has seen significant territorial gains in eastern DR Congo, having controlled vast regions rich in minerals since 2021 and displacing hundreds of thousands.

While DR Congo and the UN assert that Rwanda backs the M23, the Rwandan government remains tight-lipped on allegations, asserting instead that the Congolese government cooperates with individuals linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Created as an offshoot of another rebel faction in 2012, the M23 claims to advocate for the Tutsi population, who have historically faced discrimination. However, critics accuse Rwanda of leveraging the group for mineral exploitation in eastern Congo.