South African Peacekeepers Killed as Conflict Escalates in Eastern DRC
Three South African peacekeepers have been killed amid escalating fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels in eastern DRC, particularly threatening the city of Goma. The United Nations and European Union have voiced concerns, and evacuations are underway. Diplomatic efforts continue, yet conflicts persist with significant humanitarian implications.
Three South African peacekeepers have died in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amidst escalating conflict between the Congolese army and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. This surge in violence occurred despite international calls for the M23 to cease its advance towards Goma, a key city in North Kivu province. The city, which houses over one million residents, is under increasing threat.
Recent fighting in the region has seen the M23 advance following the unsuccessful Angolan-led peace negotiations. The United Nations peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, reported engaging in combat, with artillery responses targeting M23 positions. Despite the ongoing artillery detonations, civilian life appears to persist in Goma, as shops remained open on the day of the latest clashes.
The European Union has urged the M23 to halt its offensive and withdraw, condemning Rwanda’s support for the rebel group. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked that the pressure on Goma is tremendous, stating, “The threat by M23 to conquer Goma is unacceptable and has serious humanitarian and security implications.”
The UN has initiated evacuation measures for non-essential personnel from Goma, relocating them to nearby Uganda and Kinshasa. In light of recent events, the UN Security Council has convened an emergency meeting regarding the escalating crisis. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the resurgence of violence, fearing a potential regional conflict.
In South Africa, the political party Democratic Alliance confirmed the deaths of three peacekeepers confined to a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission. The soldiers were casualties of an M23 ambush during a recent attack near Sake; this highlights the danger facing international peacekeeping forces in the volatile region.
The DRC government has continually accused Rwanda of wanting to exploit eastern Congo’s resources, an allegation Rwanda has denied. Diplomatic resolutions have faced challenges, with prior peace meetings failing to yield agreements. Efforts from Turkey to mediate a solution were announced recently, following a series of ceasefires that have proven short-lived.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has a long-standing legacy of conflict, particularly in the mineral-rich North Kivu province. The M23 rebel group, which previously occupied Goma in late 2012, has resumed attacks, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces. Compounding this instability, a humanitarian crisis has led to large-scale displacement, with over 400,000 individuals affected since January 2023 alone. The international community has been engaged in ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the area, but these initiatives have often fallen short amid renewed hostilities.
The recent deaths of South African peacekeepers in the DRC illustrate the severity of the ongoing conflict, exacerbated by insurgent advances and foreign military support. As international bodies attempt to intervene, the prospects for peace remain tenuous due to broken agreements and historical grievances. With Goma under significant threat, immediate action is imperative to address both the humanitarian crisis and the potential for broader regional conflict. A comprehensive and sustained diplomatic engagement will be crucial in finding a viable resolution.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
