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Abhijeet Sen
Abhijeet Sen is a digital journalist with over five years of experience specializing in the intersection of Indian politics, global economics and business trends. Known for translating complex policy ... Read More
M23 conflict: In a significant development coming out of Africa, the M23 rebels have captured the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Readers must note that the M23 rebels have the support of neighboring country Rwanda and 80 soldiers and officers of the Indian Army’s Medical Corps are present in the city Goma.
Four more South African soldiers have been killed in fighting with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the government said on Tuesday, taking the number of South African peacekeepers killed to 13 since the conflict escalated last week. South African troops are in Congo as part of U.N. and Southern African missions.
The Department of Defence said in a statement that on Monday M23 rebels had launched mortar bombs in the direction of Goma airport in eastern Congo, resulting in three SANDF (South African National Defence Force) soldiers being killed. Another soldier injured in combat with M23 rebels over the past three days died from their injuries, it added.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following the deaths of 13 South African peacekeepers.
The South African troops, part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), have been killed in escalating fighting involving the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group and the Armed Forces of the DRC since last week.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, calling on the country to rally behind its soldiers “who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace on our continent.”
The President reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to peace, urging all parties to respect the DRC’s territorial integrity and engage in diplomatic processes to end the ongoing conflict.
“We call on all parties to this conflict to fully embrace the current diplomatic efforts that are aimed at finding a peaceful resolution,” he said. “We must silence the guns on our continent for the attainment of inclusive development and prosperity.”
(With inputs from agencies)
