UN Peacekeepers Injured Amid Ongoing Clashes in Democratic Republic of Congo

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Nine UN peacekeepers were injured in ongoing clashes in eastern DRC, raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Goma, where violence has displaced over 35,000 individuals. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and pointed to the dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by the conflict involving the M23 rebels.

On Friday, a United Nations official reported that the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is “deeply worrying,” with nine UN peacekeepers sustaining injuries from ongoing clashes. The UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has been actively conducting joint patrols with Congolese armed forces to stabilize the area and is assisting the deployment of troops to protect civilians. Unfortunately, during these operations, several peacekeepers required medical treatment due to the violence involved.

The withdrawal of MONUSCO from South Kivu in June 2024 has led peacekeepers to concentrate on securing strategic regions in North Kivu, notably Goma and Sake, which continue to experience violent confrontations involving the M23 rebel group and Congolese military forces. According to UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq, these clashes have significantly displaced civilians, with over 35,000 individuals fleeing the violence in Masisi seeking refuge in Goma’s displacement sites since January.

The M23 rebels have intensified their activities and announced the death of North Kivu’s governor, Maj. Gen. Peter Cirimwami, amidst their recent advance into eastern DRC. Since 2022, the group has reignited an insurrection in this resource-rich area, with allegations of support from the Rwandan government, which Rwanda has denied.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised alarm over the resurgence of hostilities on Thursday, stating that the escalating conflict has serious humanitarian implications for the populace. He highlighted the plight of civilians in Goma and surrounding Nyiragongo, where approximately 700,000 displaced individuals reside, stressing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of M23 forces from occupied territories.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued by violent conflicts, particularly in its eastern regions, which are rich in natural resources. The United Nations established the MONUSCO mission to restore stability and provide humanitarian assistance. Recent violent clashes have significantly impacted civilian populations, prompting the UN to heighten its efforts to protect vulnerable communities. Allegations of regional interference, particularly involving Rwanda, have further complicated the security landscape.

In summary, the violent confrontations in eastern DRC have resulted in injuries to UN peacekeepers and severe humanitarian crises for civilians in Goma and surrounding areas. The ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group pose increased risks to stability and peace in the region. Urgent actions are required to rein in hostilities and ensure the protection of both peacekeepers and civilian populations.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr

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