Nine South African soldiers were killed in eastern Congo as tensions escalated due to the M23 insurgency. Congolese forces repelled an advance by Rwandan-backed rebels toward Goma, amidst increasing humanitarian crises. The situation has prompted calls for Rwanda to cease support for the M23 amid fears of a broader regional conflict.
On January 25, 2024, the South African defense department reported the deaths of nine South African soldiers in eastern Congo amidst intensifying conflict involving Congolese troops and peacekeepers fighting against Rwandan-backed rebels near the city of Goma. Fierce combat occurred as the M23 insurgency escalated, leading to increased territorial gains by the rebels.
Recently, Congolese and allied forces successfully repelled a significant advance on Goma, a city with over one million residents, with reports indicating heavy bombardments during the night. Despite this success, two Southern Africans serving with the U.N. peacekeeping mission and seven from the Southern African regional bloc were killed in the conflict.
The M23 insurgency, ongoing in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region for three years, has intensified this January, with the United Nations warning of a potential broader regional conflict. The situation has become dire, aggravating humanitarian conditions and leading to the displacement of 400,000 additional individuals this year alone.
In a statement, the South African National Defence Force praised its soldiers’ bravery in preventing a Rebel advance toward Goma, emphasizing the deteriorating security situation prompting the U.N. to relocate non-essential personnel from the region. The situation in Goma appeared calm as residents cautiously resumed daily activities amid heightened police presence.
International actors have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 insurgency, a claim it denies, yet calls have arisen for Rwanda to withdraw its support. This escalation follows previous incidents, such as in 2012 when the M23 briefly occupied Goma, bringing serious international repercussions. Human Rights Watch emphasized the increasing peril facing Goma’s civilians and the significant humanitarian needs that must be addressed.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo centers around the M23 rebel group, which has been active in the region since 2019, gaining significant strength and territory in recent weeks. The Democratic Republic of Congo, with support from its allies, faces a serious threat to stability, exacerbated by the involvement of external actors like Rwanda. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, with a dramatic increase in internally displaced individuals and widespread suffering among the civilian population.
The situation in eastern Congo remains critical, particularly with the recent fatalities of South African soldiers highlighting the escalating conflict. The M23 insurgency is gaining ground, leading to fears of a broader conflict and a worsening humanitarian crisis, as emphasized by multiple humanitarian organizations. International bodies, including the U.N. and European Union, are urging intervention and accountability from Rwanda as tensions mount in the region.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
