International peacekeepers killed as clashes with M23 rebels escalate in Eastern DRC
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At least 13 international peacekeepers and foreign soldiers have been killed as heavy fighting continues in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), United Nations and army officials confirmed.
The clashes center around the key city of Goma, where M23 rebels have intensified their operations in recent days.
The M23, predominantly made up of ethnic Tutsis, has been accused by the DRC, the United States, and U.N. experts of receiving backing from Rwanda. Kigali denies these accusations but admitted last year to having troops and missile systems in eastern DRC, claiming they were deployed to safeguard Rwandan security amid a buildup of Congolese forces near the border.
Scenes of devastation have emerged from the conflict, including the burning wreckage of a white armored vehicle marked with U.N. insignia, spotted on a road between Goma and Sake, where recent clashes have been concentrated.
Tragic reports of casualties among peacekeeping forces have surfaced over the past two days. Two South African peacekeepers were killed on Friday, followed by the death of a Uruguayan Blue Helmet on Saturday. A U.N. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed these losses but refrained from further comment due to restrictions on public statements.
Malawi also suffered a significant loss, with three Malawian peacekeepers killed in the violence. The United Nations in Malawi issued a statement on Saturday expressing its condolences.
South Africa’s Department of Defense revealed in a statement that seven of its soldiers from the South African National Defense Force’s SAMIDRC contingent were killed during clashes with M23 rebels over the past 48 hours.
In a separate statement, Uruguay identified its fallen peacekeeper as Rodolfo Álvarez, a member of the Uruguay IV Battalion. The unit has been actively working under the United Nations mandate, focusing on ensuring the safety of civilians and facilitating the evacuation of non-essential personnel from Goma.
The situation in eastern DRC remains dire, with tensions between the M23 rebels and government forces escalating despite international efforts to mediate peace. The U.N. continues to face significant challenges in its mission to stabilize the region amidst growing accusations of external interference and a deteriorating security landscape.
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