At least 13 foreign peacekeepers have been killed in clashes with M23 rebels in the DRC. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebellion, leading to a severance of diplomatic ties. The conflict, rooted in decades of violence and competition for resources, has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges.
In a tragic escalation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at least 13 foreign peacekeepers have lost their lives in recent clashes with M23 rebels, according to United Nations officials. This violence follows significant territorial advances by the M23 around the strategically important city of Goma, home to approximately two million residents and a vital hub for humanitarian operations.
The M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis who previously defected from the Congolese army, is one of many armed groups contributing to an ongoing conflict over resources in this mineral-rich area. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellion, leading to a severance of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Despite Rwanda’s denials, it has previously acknowledged deploying troops and missile systems in eastern Congo for national security reasons amid concerns over increased Congolese military presence near its borders.
A Congolese military official reported, “Rwanda is trying to get in by all means, but we are holding firm.” They emphasized the ongoing nature of the conflict and urged the public to remain calm. Following the deaths of military officials near the frontlines, a UN Security Council meeting to address the rising violence has been expedited. The Congolese army reported recent successes against M23 offensives with support from UN peacekeepers and regional allies.
The spike in violence has resulted in nine South African peacekeepers, three from Malawi, and one from Uruguay being killed, according to UN reports. The protracted conflict in eastern DRC has caused immense suffering, with hundreds of thousands of casualties and over seven million displaced from their homes due to persistent clashes between rival factions over land and resource control.
Launched over two decades ago, the UN’s peacekeeping mission aims to stabilize the region with approximately 14,000 military personnel on the ground, often recognized by their blue helmets, a symbol of their peacekeeping role.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has endured decades of conflict fueled by various armed groups that contest control over its rich mineral resources. Among these groups is the M23, which emerged years ago amid ongoing tensions linked to ethnic divisions and military defections. The DRC’s diplomatic relations with Rwanda have further strained due to accusations of outside interference in its internal affairs. UN peacekeepers have been deployed extensively to stabilize the region, but they face increasing threats from well-armed rebel factions seeking dominance.
The recent attacks resulting in the deaths of peacekeepers in the DRC underline the fragile security situation and the complex dynamics involving local and foreign actors. As the M23 and other factions continue to vie for power, the humanitarian crisis deepens, making international engagement and concerted efforts to promote peace more crucial than ever. The severance of diplomatic ties with Rwanda adds another layer of complexity to the region’s stability as tensions escalate.
Original Source: news.sky.com
