At Least 13 Foreign Peacekeepers Killed in DRC Amid Ongoing Violence

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has witnessed the deaths of at least 13 foreign peacekeepers amid intensified clashes with M23 rebels. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebellion, leading to a diplomatic rift. The ongoing conflict in the region continues to have devastating humanitarian impacts, with over seven million people displaced.

At least 13 foreign peacekeepers have lost their lives in recent confrontations with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to United Nations reports. The M23 militia has recently expanded its territorial influence, surrounding the key city of Goma, which is crucial for security and humanitarian operations in the region. The ongoing conflict involves over 100 armed groups vying for control in a resource-rich area plagued by humanitarian challenges.

The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellion, leading to a severing of diplomatic relations. Rwanda has refuted these allegations, though it acknowledged its troop presence in the eastern DRC for security reasons due to perceived threats from Congolese forces. A source from the Congolese military remarked, “Rwanda is trying to get in by all means, but we are holding firm.”

The DRC has formally recalled its diplomats from Rwanda and requested the cessation of consular activities in Kinshasa. A UN Security Council meeting has been convened earlier than planned to address the escalating violence following the death of a Congolese military governor during a recent M23 offensive. The DRC military claimed to have repelled an M23 advance towards Goma with the assistance of UN troops and other allied forces.

Tragically, South Africa reported the deaths of nine of its peacekeepers amid the uptick in hostilities. The fatalities include three soldiers from Malawi and one from Uruguay as stated by the UN. Historical conflicts in eastern DRC surrounding land and resources have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of citizens and the dislocation of over seven million individuals.

The UN has maintained a peacekeeping presence in the DRC for over two decades, deploying approximately 14,000 personnel, commonly known as the Blue Helmets due to their distinct helmets. The region continues to experience turmoil from various militias, including the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced prolonged conflicts primarily driven by competition over land and resources, exacerbating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. The M23, a rebel group fueled by historical ethnic tensions, poses a significant threat not only to national stability but also to regional security, drawing in neighboring countries such as Rwanda. The UN peacekeeping force, active for over two decades in the DRC, aims to provide stability in this turbulent region, but has faced growing challenges in fulfilling its mandate amidst escalating violence.

The recent deaths of 13 foreign peacekeepers in the DRC highlight the ongoing violence and instability driven by the M23 rebels and the complex regional dynamics involving Rwanda. With the DRC severing diplomatic ties with its neighbor, the situation demands urgent attention from the international community. As the death toll rises and regional tensions escalate, the need for a coordinated response to restore peace and security becomes increasingly critical.

Original Source: news.sky.com