GOMA, Congo (AP) – Two U.N. peacekeepers from South Africa were killed in clashes with M23 rebels in eastern Congo on Friday, according to a United Nations official speaking anonymously due to restrictions on public communications. The recent escalation of violence saw M23, a rebel group that has made significant territorial gains, encircle Goma, a city of approximately 2 million people, which serves as a critical regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts.
The United Nations announced plans to temporarily relocate nonessential staff from Goma, such as administrative personnel, to ensure safety during the intensifying conflict. Essential personnel, however, will remain on the ground to continue vital operations including food distribution, medical assistance, shelter, and protection for vulnerable communities.
M23 is among the hundreds of armed groups operating in mineral-rich eastern Congo along the border with Rwanda. This region has been engulfed in conflict for decades, contributing to one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Reports indicate that M23 recently seized control of the town of Sake, located only 27 kilometers (16 miles) west of Goma, marking a critical gain as Sake was one of the last significant entry points to the provincial capital still under government control.
The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's second-largest political party, along with a military trade union, reported that three South African soldiers were killed during the clashes in Sake on Thursday. It remains unclear whether these soldiers were part of the U.N. peacekeeping operation or affiliated with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which also aids Congo’s army against the rebels. Moreover, they noted that at least 18 other soldiers were wounded amid ongoing battles with M23.
Kate Hixon, advocacy director for Africa at Amnesty International USA, highlighted that the Rwandan-backed M23 appears to be exploiting the political situation in the U.S. to advance its offensive on Goma, putting thousands of civilians at further risk. The situation remains critical, particularly following U.S. interventions in the region aimed at protecting civilians.
On the day of the reported casualties, South Africa's defense minister, Angie Motshekga, was visiting the troops stationed in Congo as part of the U.N. peacekeeping mission. Meanwhile, Congo, the U.S., and U.N. experts have accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that the Rwandan government has denied. However, authorities in Rwanda acknowledged having troops in eastern Congo for security purposes, citing concerns over a buildup of Congolese forces near their border. Estimates from U.N. experts suggest that up to 4,000 Rwandan forces could currently be present in Congo.
This is not the first time South African peacekeepers have faced dangers in Congo. In the previous year, two South African soldiers lost their lives due to a mortar explosion while assisting Congo's army against rebels. Since 2021, efforts from the Congo government, supplemented by allied military forces, including those from SADC and the U.N., have focused on preventing M23 from advancing towards Goma.
The U.N. peacekeeping force, known as MONUSCO, has had a presence in Congo for over two decades and currently comprises approximately 14,000 peacekeepers working to stabilize the volatile region. The situation in eastern Congo continues to evolve, highlighting challenges in maintaining peace in a region fraught with conflict and humanitarian need.
