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| UN peacekeepers patrol the streets of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo | Photo: Reuters |
Thirteen United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in clashes with the M23 armed rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among the victims, nine were South African soldiers who were engaged in efforts to drive M23 fighters out of the eastern city of Goma.
The South African military confirmed their soldiers were fighting under the UN’s mandate to stabilize the conflict-torn region. The other fatalities included three peacekeepers from Malawi and one from Uruguay.
As violence intensified, all United Nations staff, except those involved in emergency operations, were evacuated from Goma, a city of over one million people near the border with Rwanda. The clashes have led to significant displacement, with the United Nations reporting that more than 400,000 people have been forced to flee their homes this year.
Local leaders revealed that over 200 people were killed in M23-controlled areas last week, while hospitals in Goma are treating hundreds of wounded civilians.
French President Emmanuel Macron has spoken separately with the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, urging an end to the conflict. The Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of supporting M23, though Rwanda has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations.
As tensions rise, countries such as the UK, France, Germany, and the US have advised their citizens to leave Goma due to safety concerns.
The ongoing conflict highlights the fragile security situation in the region, with the loss of 13 peacekeepers underscoring the dangers faced by those working to restore peace. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene as the humanitarian crisis deepens.