Three South African peacekeepers have been killed while engaging M23 rebels in Eastern Congo. The violence escalated as the rebel group took control of strategic areas near Goma, raising concerns over civilian safety. The United Nations has temporarily relocated non-essential staff while essential operations continue in the region.
Three South African peacekeepers were tragically killed in Eastern Congo while engaging with M23 rebels, according to reports from a political party and a trade union. The fatalities occurred during combat on Thursday, amidst a significant escalation in hostilities, with the M23 group advancing on the city of Goma. This city is home to approximately two million residents and serves as a critical hub for both security and humanitarian operations in the region.
The United Nations is responding to the rising violence by temporarily relocating non-essential staff from Goma, ensuring that vital operations, including food distribution and medical assistance for vulnerable populations, continue. The M23 rebel group has become more assertive in recent weeks, having recently taken control of Sake, a town strategically located just 27 kilometers from Goma.
Statements from South Africa’s Democratic Alliance political party and military trade unions confirmed the deaths of the peacekeepers and reported that at least 18 South African soldiers sustained injuries during the ongoing conflicts. The clashes intensified coinciding with the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, raising concerns over civilian safety in the region.
Kate Hixon, the advocacy director for Africa at Amnesty International USA, noted that the M23 group is leveraging the political transition in the U.S. to strengthen their offensive against Goma, thereby exacerbating risks for local civilians. The ongoing conflict has deep historical roots, with Rwanda accused of supporting the M23 rebels, prompting complex regional tensions.
South Africa’s Defense Minister, Angie Motshekga, was visiting the troops on the day of the fatalities, underscoring the significance of the peacekeeping mission. The presence of Rwandan forces in Congo has been acknowledged, despite the Rwandan government’s denial of backing the M23 group. These developments are part of an enduring struggle involving numerous armed factions in Eastern Congo over its rich mineral resources.
In the past, South African soldiers have faced perils in this conflict, with two soldiers killed last year by a mortar explosion while supporting Congolese forces against rebel advances. The United Nations peacekeeping force, known as MONUSCO, has maintained a presence in the region for over two decades, currently comprising around 14,000 peacekeepers supporting local efforts against the M23.
The conflict in Eastern Congo, particularly surrounding the M23 rebel group, is a continuation of decades of violence involving numerous armed factions vying for control over valuable mineral resources. The region has long been plagued by humanitarian crises resulting from these violent power struggles. Peacekeeping efforts by the United Nations and regional forces, such as the Southern African Development Community, aim to stabilize the area and protect civilians amid ongoing hostilities.
The recent deaths of three South African peacekeepers highlight the dangers faced by those involved in the United Nations peacekeeping initiative in Eastern Congo. The M23 rebel group continues to pose a significant threat to stability in the region, with escalated violence putting countless civilians at risk. The international community, including the U.S., is urged to remain vigilant and supportive of peace efforts as the situation develops.
Original Source: apnews.com
