The M23 rebels, accused of receiving support from Rwanda, are closing in on the city of Goma in eastern Congo. This conflict has killed peacekeepers, displaced hundreds of thousands, and worsened a growing humanitarian crisis.
Rebel Forces Near Key City
In eastern Congo, the M23 rebels are advancing toward Goma, a city near Lake Kivu with a population of about three million people. This includes many who have fled earlier violence. Heavy fighting is now happening in Sake, a town only 25 kilometers from Goma. Sake is seen as the last line of defense before the rebels can reach the city.
Deadly Attacks on Peacekeepers
Recent clashes near Goma have killed nine South African peacekeepers, including two from the UN mission MONUSCO. South Africa’s military confirmed these deaths. Earlier, the UN reported nine other peacekeepers were injured.
The UN Security Council has called an emergency meeting to address the rising violence. Meanwhile, international groups, including the European Union, have condemned Rwanda for allegedly supporting the rebels. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called this a violation of Congo’s sovereignty. Rwanda denies the accusations, but Congo’s government and UN experts say Rwanda has supplied weapons to the M23 rebels.
Conflict Fueled by Natural Resources
The fighting in eastern Congo is linked to the region’s rich natural resources, especially coltan. This mineral is essential for electronics and electric car batteries. The M23 rebels control coltan mining in the areas they occupy, using it to fund their activities.
The rebels have expanded their attacks from North Kivu to South Kivu, where UN peacekeepers withdrew last year. Recently, the group captured Minova, a strategic town, and briefly held Sake before being pushed back by Congo’s forces. However, artillery fire from rebel-held positions continues to threaten civilians.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The violence has displaced more than 400,000 people in just three weeks, according to the UN. Many displaced families lack food, water, and healthcare. Fearing Goma’s fall, thousands of people have fled to neighboring Rwanda for safety.
With the crisis deepening, international efforts are urgently needed to stop the violence and protect civilians in the region.