DR Congo Conflict Escalates: 13 Peacekeepers Dead as M23 Rebels Advance

The situation in eastern DR Congo worsens as M23 rebels continue their offensive, prompting international calls for intervention and peace.

In a troubling escalation of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 13 United Nations peacekeepers were killed during clashes with M23 rebel forces, heightening tensions in the region. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urgently urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory and for the M23 group to halt its push toward the city of Goma, which is home to over one million residents.

During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Congolese Foreign Minister criticized Rwanda for its military support to rebel factions, suggesting that this constitutes a declaration of war. Reports indicate that Rwanda’s military involvement in aiding M23 has been confirmed, worsening the humanitarian crisis that has already displaced hundreds of thousands of people since fighting intensified in 2021.

As intense clashes unfolded, South Africa reported the loss of nine soldiers, while Malawi confirmed three of its troops were among the dead. Uruguay also reported the death of one of its peacekeepers in ongoing hostilities against the M23 insurgents. The UN peacekeeping mission in DR Congo (Monusco) is raising alarms about the deteriorating situation, as rebel forces have taken over strategic points surrounding Goma, creating panic among the civilian population.

Bintou Keita, a UN peacekeeping representative, described dire conditions on the ground, stating that essential routes and the airport are blocked, posing significant challenges to evacuations and humanitarian access. The M23 has declared the airspace over Goma closed, leaving people and essential services stranded.

Calls for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal were echoed by the UK and France during the UN meeting, while Rwandan representatives denied accusations of malefaction, blaming the DRC for the escalation. Rwanda accused the international community of hypocrisy, claiming they fail to condemn the DRC army's actions and the involvement of foreign mercenaries.

Rwanda’s military stance has led to diplomatic tensions, resulting in DRC severing ties with its neighbor. The withdrawal of non-essential UN staff from Goma highlights the urgency of the situation, in which over 400,000 individuals have been displaced since early 2025 due to the ongoing violence, with local leaders claiming extensive civilian casualties.

Humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the escalating conflict's impact on civilian lives, as combatants from both sides are reported to have committed severe abuses. Activists stress that Goma, with its strategic significance as a mining hub, is of pivotal interest amid the chaos. Local leaders, including Bishop Martin Gordon, are advocating for peace as communities face the daunting reality of ongoing violence and uncertainty.