At Least 12 Peacekeepers Killed in Eastern DR Congo as M23 Rebels Intensify Attacks
South African and Malawian soldiers among the casualties as fighting escalates near Goma.
At least 12 peacekeepers have been killed in escalating clashes between M23 rebels and allied forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), authorities confirmed. The violence, which has surged in January, has raised alarms over the possibility of a broader regional conflict.
Among the dead are nine South African soldiers and three Malawian peacekeepers who were part of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) military mission in the DRC, known as SAMIDRC. Additionally, two soldiers serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mission MONUSCO were also killed.
Fierce Battles Near Goma as M23 Rebels Push Forward
The latest clashes occurred as Congolese troops and international peacekeepers fought to halt an advance by the M23 rebel group toward Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The rebel movement, which has been active for over a decade, has intensified its territorial gains in the mineral-rich region, despite continued military resistance.
According to a statement from the South African armed forces, the nine fallen South African soldiers were killed in a two-day battle aimed at preventing the rebels from reaching Goma.
“The members put up a brave fight to prevent the rebels from proceeding to Goma as was their intention,” the statement read, emphasizing that M23 had been pushed back in some areas.
A United Nations official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to The Associated Press that two UN peacekeepers had been killed in the fighting on Friday.
Malawian Peacekeepers Also Among the Casualties
Malawi’s military spokesman, Emmanuel Mlelemba, confirmed that three Malawian peacekeepers deployed under the SADC mission were killed in action.
“We confirm the loss of three of our courageous soldiers who were part of the SADC Mission in the DRC,” Mlelemba stated.
M23 Rebellion Escalates, Raising Fears of Wider Conflict
The M23 rebellion, named after a March 23, 2009 peace agreement that the group claims was never honored, has led to years of instability in eastern DRC. The group, composed mainly of Tutsi-led fighters, has been accused of committing human rights abuses and seizing key territories in the region.
January has seen an intensification of the rebellion, with the UN warning that the ongoing violence could spark a larger regional war. The international community has repeatedly called for diplomatic solutions, but efforts to broker a ceasefire have so far failed.
The recent deaths of peacekeepers highlight the immense challenges faced by both the UN and regional forces in stabilizing eastern DRC. With Goma remaining a strategic target, further escalation remains a significant concern.
Source : Swifteradio.com
