- Thirteen peacekeepers, including South Africans, Malawians, and a Uruguayan, killed in clashes with M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo.
- UN evacuates non-essential staff from Goma as fighting escalates, with over 400,000 displaced this year.
- Global leaders, including French President Macron, call for ceasefire while condemning M23 and Rwanda’s alleged support.
Thirteen peacekeepers have been killed in clashes with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including nine South African soldiers, three Malawians, and one Uruguayan.
The South African military confirmed the fatalities, which occurred as peacekeepers attempted to repel the rebels’ advance on Goma in eastern DRC.
In response to the escalating violence, the United Nations has evacuated non-essential staff from Goma, home to over one million people.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- “Lying Mothers Enable Toxic Sons” – Saida Boj
- Nigeria Now Official Partners Of The BRICS – What Are The Implications Of This?
- Violence Breaks Out as Court Extends Detention of Impeached South Korean President
A UN Security Council meeting, initially scheduled for Monday, has been moved up to Sunday in light of the situation.
The M23 rebels have called on Congolese troops to surrender in exchange for peace, while the DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebellion, leading to severed diplomatic ties.
The M23’s actions have intensified since January, with the rebels capturing key towns and killing a military governor.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an end to the violence after speaking with leaders of DRC and Rwanda. Meanwhile, the EU and African leaders, including Angola’s President Joao Lourenco, have condemned the M23 and its backers, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to protect civilians.
As fighting intensifies, over 400,000 people have been displaced this year alone, with more than 200 civilians reported killed in areas controlled by the M23.
The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, and Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over the treatment of civilians by both the M23 and the DRC army.
FURTHER READING
- BREAKING: Gunmen Disrupt Sunday Service, Shoot Prophet Dead In Ogun
- Hamas Names Three Israeli Women for Release Amid Ceasefire Deal
- BREAKING: Owoade To Be Crowned Alaafin Of Oyo April 4
The M23 has controlled large areas of mineral-rich eastern DRC since 2021, and accusations persist that Rwanda is using the group to exploit the region’s resources.
Rwanda, however, denies these claims while asserting that the DRC is collaborating with individuals linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
