UN peacekeepers pledge support for DRC forces fighting M23 rebels in Goma
The M23 rebels have been making advances towards Goma in recent months, exacerbating the security and humanitarian crisis in the region.
The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has pledged its support to the Congolese army (FARDC) in bolstering security in Goma City following advances by the M23 rebels and the killing of North Kivu Governor, Major General Peter Chirimwami.
"As part of its mandate, the MONUSCO Force supports the Armed Forces of the DRC in protecting Goma City in North Kivu against the advance of the M23 rebels. The acting commander of the Force, Major General Khar Diouf, emphasises that the priority remains the protection of civilians," said MONUSCO Forces Commander General Khar Diouf.
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On Thursday, the rebels claimed responsibility for killing Major General Chirimwami during his visit to the frontlines near Sake. The rebel group announced on social media that his death had opened the way for their advance towards Goma.
"We announce the death of the Commander-in-Chief of the FDLR, General Chirimwami. He died in Kasengezi," M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka wrote on X late Thursday night.
The M23 rebels have been making advances towards Goma in recent months, exacerbating the security and humanitarian crisis in the region.
On Friday, local media reported intense fighting between the FARDC and M23 rebels across two fronts around Goma, particularly along the Kibumba axis, Nyiragongo, Sake, and Masisi territories, causing widespread panic among city residents and thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Earlier, the group issued a stern warning to MONUSCO and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces, accusing them of involvement in the conflict.
"Despite our press release on January 22, 2025, informing SAMIDRC and MONUSCO that the AFC/M23 has no differences or hostile posture towards them, all signals indicate that MONUSCO and SAMIDRC are ready to attack us. Therefore, we will defend ourselves," Kanyuka added.
This escalation puts the rebel group in direct confrontation with the international forces working to end the conflict in eastern DRC.
Civilians arrive by boat to take refuge following recent fighting in Kinyezire and Nyamukubi in Kalehe territory between the M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Goma, North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo January 22, 2025. REUTERS
The UN Human Rights Office expressed grave concerns on Friday, warning that an attack on Goma would have catastrophic consequences for its residents.
"We are deeply alarmed at the heightened risk of an attack by the M23 armed group on Goma, the capital of North Kivu in eastern DRC. Any such attack risks catastrophic consequences for hundreds of thousands of civilians, exposing them to heightened risks of human rights violations and abuses.
The High Commissioner appeals to all states with influence over the parties to press for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The people of DRC are exhausted by violence and conflict. This situation must not be allowed to worsen further," said Ravina Shamdasani, the UN Human Rights spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has offered to mediate between Rwanda and the DRC to end the ongoing war, pledging support for Angola’s ongoing diplomatic efforts.
"The resolution of this conflict will contribute significantly to the establishment of stability in the region. If both sides indeed welcome us, we are ready to extend our helping hand to resolve this conflict," Erdoğan stated on Friday.
Both Rwanda and the DRC are yet to respond to the offer.
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