Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-03-18 14:14:39
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to escalate, with recent reports indicating that eight United Nations (UN) peacekeepers were injured during fighting between government forces and coalition and M23 soldiers in Sake and surrounding areas of Masisi territory, North Kivu province. The fighting, which took place on Saturday, marked a resurgence of violence following weeks of relative calm in the region.
The clashes occurred on several fronts in areas such as Vunamo Hill, Bwambaliro, Lutoboko, Kituva, and Munanira Hill. M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed that M23 fighters successfully repelled an assault launched by the armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers’ militia coalition and troops under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Sake, Macafe, Mitumbara, Lushoga, and Kagundu. However, Lt Col Ndjike Kaiko Guillaume, spokesperson for the army in North Kivu province, confirmed that seven MONUSCO peacekeepers were injured during the fighting.
According to Kaiko, six of the injured peacekeepers are Guatemalan nationals, and one is Indian. He attributed their injuries to M23 rebels shooting at MONUSCO positions during a firefight with FARDC soldiers. Bintou Keita, the head of MONUSCO, expressed strong condemnation of the attack and confirmed that one of the peacekeepers was seriously injured in the incident.
An anonymous M23 fighter revealed that MONUSCO troops were fighting alongside FARDC soldiers and a militia coalition. Tensions between M23 and MONUSCO have been escalating, with the rebels accusing the UN force of sharing information gathered by surveillance drones from areas under M23 control with the government. The conflict dates back to March 2022 when M23, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Gen Sultan Makenga, launched an insurgency against the DRC government. While the DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, both Rwanda and the rebel group vehemently deny these claims. M23 justifies its actions as a fight against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination in the DRC.
The current clashes highlight the complex and volatile nature of the conflict in the DRC, with various armed groups, government forces, and international peacekeepers involved in the fighting. The injuries sustained by UN peacekeepers serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those working to maintain peace and stability in the region. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict to prevent further casualties and suffering among the civilian population.
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