Thirteen peacekeepers have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during clashes with rebels from the M23 group.
The South African military confirmed that nine of its soldiers were killed while resisting a rebel advance on Goma, a city in eastern DRC. Three soldiers from Malawi and one from Uruguay also lost their lives.
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with both DRC and Rwanda’s leaders, amid growing calls to end the violence.
Intensifying conflict and international reactions
The United Nations is evacuating non-essential personnel from Goma, a city of over one million people. A meeting of the UN Security Council, set for Monday, has been moved up to Sunday due to the escalating violence.
The M23 rebels have asked Congolese forces in Goma to surrender to prevent further bloodshed. In response, DRC has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing it of backing the rebellion.
After M23 fighters killed a Congolese military governor visiting the frontline last Thursday, tensions grew. The rebels also captured key eastern towns like Minova and Masisi earlier this month.
President Macron called for an end to hostilities during talks with both leaders. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, condemned the M23’s actions and criticised Rwanda’s support for the group.
Humanitarian impact of DRC conflict and civilian displacement
Since the beginning of the year, fighting between the M23 and DRC forces has intensified. The rebels have gained unprecedented control over territory.
Over 400,000 people have been displaced so far, according to the United Nations. In areas under M23 control, more than 200 civilians have died. Goma’s hospitals are treating hundreds of injured.
Local leader Martin Gordon, an Anglican bishop, said the fighting has gone on “far too long” and stressed the need for peace. Many people in the region are desperate for an end to the violence.
Several countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and the US, have advised their citizens to leave Goma. Human Rights Watch warned of mounting risks to civilians, accusing both sides of severe violations.
The conflict has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation. The UN highlights that the ongoing violence exacerbates the crisis.
The M23 has controlled vast areas of mineral-rich eastern DRC since 2021, displacing many people.
Both the DRC and the UN say Rwanda supports the M23 rebels, although Rwanda has neither confirmed nor denied these claims.
Rwanda has previously accused the DRC of collaborating with groups behind the 1994 genocide against Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
The M23 emerged from another rebel group in 2012. Initially, it aimed to protect the Tutsi population in eastern DRC, which faced persecution. However, critics argue that Rwanda uses the M23 to exploit the region’s mineral wealth, including gold, cobalt, and tantalum.
