Thirteen peacekeepers from South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay have been killed in recent fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the M23 rebel group is advancing towards the key city of Goma.
The fighting has intensified in recent days, with the M23 rebels making significant territorial gains, including the capture of the town of Minova.
This has sparked a mass displacement of civilians, with thousands fleeing towards Goma, a city of over a million people.
The deaths of the peacekeepers have drawn international condemnation.
The African Union, European Union, and the United Nations have called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to de-escalate the situation.
The DRC government has recalled its diplomats from Rwanda, accusing the neighboring country of backing the M23 rebels.
Rwanda denies these accusations.
The conflict in eastern DRC has been ongoing for decades, with numerous armed groups vying for control of the region’s rich mineral resources.
The current escalation has raised serious concerns about regional stability and the potential for further violence.
This situation highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to the conflict, including a political dialogue between the DRC government and the M23, as well as increased efforts to address the root causes of the violence.