M23 Rebels Kill 13 Foreign Peacekeepers in DR Congo
Thirteen foreign peacekeepers have been killed in clashes with M23 rebels in the DRC, prompting global calls for violence to cease. The UN is evacuating non-essential personnel from Goma, and the conflict has led to over 400,000 displacements this year. Leaders including French President Macron have urged for an immediate end to hostilities amid accusations of Rwandan support for the rebels.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), thirteen foreign peacekeepers, including nine South African soldiers, three Malawian soldiers, and one Uruguayan soldier, have been killed in confrontations with the M23 rebel group. These casualties occurred while troops were engaged in efforts to repel an assault on the city of Goma. Following this incident, the United Nations is evacuating all non-essential personnel from Goma due to escalating violence.
The M23 group has urged Congolese forces in Goma to surrender to prevent further bloodshed, while the DRC has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, which it accuses of supporting the rebels. This announcement followed the assassination of a Congolese military governor by M23 fighters. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has reached out to the leaders of DRC and Rwanda to advocate for an immediate halt to the violence.
The situation has deteriorated sharply since the beginning of the year, with more than 400,000 people already displaced. The European Union’s foreign policy chief and several nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States, have advised their citizens to leave Goma due to security concerns. Human Rights Watch has condemned savage abuses committed by both the Congolese army and the M23 against civilians.
The M23, formed in 2012, has been criticized for allegations that it seeks to exploit DRC’s mineral wealth amid the turmoil. Rwanda is accused of backing the group, a claim that it neither confirms nor denies. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leading to significant civilian suffering and displacement in the region as the fighting continues.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC, particularly involving the M23 rebel group, has roots in the longstanding tensions surrounding ethnic groups and the country’s rich natural resources. The M23 emerged as a splinter group from a previous rebel faction, claiming to protect the Tutsi population from discrimination. The conflict has drawn international attention, with multiple nations and organizations urging restraint and dialogue as a means to preserve civilian lives and restore stability in the region.
The recent killings of foreign peacekeepers highlight the escalating violence in the DRC, driven by M23 rebel forces and the complicated interplay of regional politics. The international community continues to call for a cessation of hostilities amidst a worsening humanitarian situation, underscoring the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com