(CLO) At least 12 soldiers of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force, including 9 South African soldiers and 3 Malawian soldiers, were killed in clashes with M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to information from authorities.
Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and peacekeepers fought fiercely to prevent the M23 rebel group from advancing on the city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
Members of the UN mission (MONUSCO). Photo: MONUSCO/Kevin Jordan
The M23 movement, an ethnic Tutsi rebel group, has been steadily gaining territory in recent times. According to the UN, the escalation of M23 since early 2025 is increasing the risk of widespread regional conflict.
As of January 26, the South African military confirmed that nine of its soldiers had been killed in clashes with M23. Two were members of the UN mission (MONUSCO), and seven were from the Southern African Regional Force (SADC) supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"They fought valiantly to stop the rebels from advancing towards Goma, and successfully repelled the M23," the South African military statement said.
Meanwhile, Malawian military spokesman Emmanuel Mlelemba confirmed that three Malawian soldiers from the SADC mission were killed in fighting with rebels.
"We grieve the loss of three brave soldiers who fought to preserve peace in eastern Congo. We will continue to update as the situation in the region remains complex," Mr. Mlelemba said.
On January 25, M23 rebels captured the town of Sake, just 27 kilometers west of Goma. This is the last major road linking the North Kivu capital with government-controlled areas.
Due to the increasingly tense situation, the UN has decided to temporarily relocate non-essential staff from Goma, keeping only a core team to continue providing food, medical assistance and protection to the population.
“Key staff will remain to ensure vital humanitarian operations, such as food distribution, medical assistance and providing shelter to vulnerable communities,” the UN said in a press release.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations have long accused Rwanda of providing military support and weapons to the M23 rebel group – an accusation the country has consistently denied.
Cao Phong (according to AJ, UN)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/it-nhat-12-binh-si-gin-giu-hoa-binh-thiet-mang-trong-cuoc-dung-do-voi-phien-quan-tai-congo-post332067.html
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