Three South African peacekeepers were killed as fighting escalates in eastern DRC between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed M23 fighters. In intense combat near Goma, the UN has begun evacuating non-essential staff while the EU condemns Rwanda’s support for the M23. Diplomatic efforts have largely failed, necessitating urgent international intervention to prevent further humanitarian crises.
Three South African peacekeepers have tragically lost their lives in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo amid escalating violence between the Congolese military and Rwandan-backed M23 fighters. This fighting persisted despite urgent calls from the international community for a ceasefire and the M23’s withdrawal from its offensive on Goma, a city crucial for its population of over one million.
The conflict intensified after peace talks led by Angola failed, with the M23 and Rwandan forces making significant advances towards Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, which has been characterized by unrest and rich mineral resources. Eye-witnesses reported seeing a damaged UN peacekeeping vehicle in the vicinity of Goma, indicating the serious nature of the clashes occurring just a few kilometers from the city.
Despite the outbreak of artillery fire, daily life in Goma appeared somewhat unaffected on Saturday, as shops remained open and local activities continued. However, intense firefights had been reported, particularly near the city, which remains under considerable threat from the M23. The European Union has condemned Rwanda’s military involvement, reiterating calls for the M23 to cease its advance, as the humanitarian implications of such actions are severe.
The United Nations has initiated the evacuation of non-essential personnel to Uganda and further away, urging immediate departure for foreign nationals from Goma. The UN Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has reported significant engagements with M23 positions, actively utilizing heavy artillery. Approximately 15,000 peacekeepers are stationed in the region to address the ongoing crisis.
The Democratic Alliance, a political party in South Africa, confirmed the deaths of the peacekeepers during the M23’s assault on Sake. The South African contingent, comprising 2,900 troops sent for the SADC mission, faced deadly confrontations. The UN Security Council has convened an emergency meeting to deliberate on the situation, amidst concerns about escalating violence and the potential for widespread conflict.
Diplomatic efforts have largely failed, including a canceled meeting between President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. The UN reports that Rwanda has stationed thousands of its troops in eastern DRC, complicating the conflict over perceived interests in accessing vast resources. Numerous truces have been attempted in the region, with past agreements repeatedly violated, leading to the persistent humanitarian crisis affecting over 400,000 displaced individuals.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has a long history, characterized by persistent battles involving various armed factions, including the M23 rebels, who have received support from Rwanda. Since 2012, when the M23 briefly occupied Goma, the region has been marred by continuous violence exacerbated by external influences and failed diplomatic initiatives. Despite regional efforts to establish peace, such as mediation from Angola and new offers from Turkey, the patchwork nature of ceasefires and truces has contributed to an enduring humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting the city of Goma and its surrounding areas.
In summary, the current situation in eastern DRC is critical, with significant loss of life and rising humanitarian concerns due to ongoing fighting between Congolese forces and M23 rebels. The involvement of foreign troops and the failure of diplomatic efforts only heighten the threat of further regional instability. Immediate international action is necessary to address both the security and humanitarian challenges posed by this conflict.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
