In the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the M23 rebels supported by Rwandans besieged the provincial capital Goma. The city on the banks of the Kivumeer, where about three million people are said to live, including refugees, is largely surrounded. There are severe fights in the city of Sake, about 25 kilometers away, which forms the last obstacle before Goma for the rebels.
Nine South African peace-enforcement officers were killed during the fighting at Goma, including two members of the UN peace mission Monusco, according to the South African army. The UN had previously spoken about nine injured peace soldiers. The UN Security Council in New York has planned a meeting on the situation on Monday.
The EU condemns Rwanda for supporting rebels
The European Union, the African Union and the UN have called on the rebels and their supporters to immediately end the violence. “The EU strongly condemns the military presence of Rwanda in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This support for the M23 offensive by the Rwandan armed forces is a clear violation of international law, the UN Charter and the territorial integrity of the DRC, “said Kaja Kallas, head of the EU foreign policy.
Both the Congolese government in Kinshasa and UN experts accuse Rwanda, among other things, to support the rebel group M23 with weapons. According to an expert report, there are more than a thousand Rwandan soldiers in the region. Rwanda denies this. The rebels are accused of murders and massive rapes.
Rebels check the mining of the electronic raw material Coltan
Eastern Congo has rich raw material stocks. The metal Coltan is very valuable. It plays an important role in the production of laptops, smartphones and the batteries of electric cars. The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most important Coltan producers in the world. The M23 checks the Coltan mine construction in the areas conquered by the militia.
The rebel group, which was mainly active in the province of North Kivu for years, has expanded its activities and is now also fighting in the adjacent province of South Kivu, from which VN-Vredes enforcers were withdrawn last year.
The conflict has escalated dramatically in recent days
In recent days, the militias conquered the strategically important city of Minova and then briefly brought Sake under their control before they were partially reduced by Congolese soldiers.
The rebels fire heavy artillery from positions on the surrounding hills. According to the UN, peacekeepers with the Congolese army patrol and help them protect citizens who ended up in the crossfire. Figures about dead and injuries were initially not available.
According to the United Nations, the conflict alone led to the displacement of more than 400,000 people in the region in the past three weeks. The displaced persons lack food, water and medical care. Many people flee the border to neighboring Rwanda, for fear that Goma will be conquered.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
