Recent clashes with M23 rebels in eastern Congo have resulted in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers, according to United Nations and army officials. The M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains, encircling the city of Goma, a regional hub with a population of around 2 million people.
The U.N. Security Council has expedited an emergency meeting to address the escalating violence, originally scheduled for Monday but now set for Sunday morning. Congo's army, with the assistance of allied forces including U.N. troops and soldiers from the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC), successfully repelled an M23 offensive towards Goma.
Accusations have been made against Rwanda for backing the M23 rebels, who are primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis that separated from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Rwanda has denied these claims but previously acknowledged the presence of its troops in eastern Congo for security reasons.
The recent clashes have resulted in casualties, including the deaths of South African and Uruguayan peacekeepers, as well as Malawian peacekeepers. The situation remains tense, with ongoing efforts to safeguard civilians and maintain security in the region.
The United Nations peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, has been actively involved in the conflict, with thousands of peacekeepers on the ground. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts are made to address the escalating violence and protect the civilian population.
South Africa's defense minister visited the troops stationed in Congo as part of the U.N. peacekeeping mission on the day of the soldiers' deaths, underscoring the commitment to peacekeeping efforts in the region.
