Thirteen peacekeepers have been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid intensified clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group, escalating the humanitarian and political crisis in the region.
Nine South African soldiers, along with three Malawians and one Uruguayan, died in the effort to repel M23’s advance on Goma, a city of over one million people in eastern DRC. This development underscores the increasing peril faced by international forces attempting to stabilize the volatile region.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to the violence in separate conversations with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The situation has drawn widespread condemnation, with the United Nations moving to evacuate non-essential personnel from Goma as fighting intensifies.
The conflict, marked by a series of brutal incidents, has sparked global concern. The M23 rebels recently killed a Congolese military governor near the frontline and seized control of key towns, including Minova and Masisi. This offensive has forced over 400,000 people to flee their homes in 2024 alone, according to the United Nations.
Regional and international leaders have urged the M23 to halt their advance. Angolan President Joao Lourenço, the African Union’s mediator, condemned the “irresponsible actions” of the group and its alleged backers. Meanwhile, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, denounced Rwanda’s alleged support for M23, further straining relations between the two nations.
Originally formed in 2012 to advocate for the Tutsi population in eastern DRC, the M23 has expanded its agenda, seizing swathes of mineral-rich territories since 2021. Critics accuse Rwanda of exploiting the rebellion to access resources like gold, cobalt, and tantalum, critical to global tech industries. While Rwanda denies direct involvement, its alleged role has been a focal point of diplomatic disputes.
The humanitarian toll continues to mount. Hospitals in Goma report treating hundreds of civilians wounded in the crossfire, while Human Rights Watch warns of grave abuses by both sides. Local leaders estimate over 200 civilian deaths in M23-occupied areas.
As the international community calls for an immediate ceasefire, the UN Security Council has advanced its discussions on the crisis. For the residents of eastern DRC, however, peace remains elusive amid deepening violence and displacement.
