Thirteen soldiers, including United Nations peacekeepers and Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops, have been killed in intensified fighting between the M23 rebel group and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forces.
Nine South African soldiers perished defending the city of Goma, three Malawian soldiers, and one Uruguayan peacekeeper. In light of the deteriorating security situation, the United Nations has initiated the evacuation of non-essential personnel from Goma, according to BBC reports.
On January 25, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced deep concerns over the escalating violence in North Kivu province during discussions with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Macron urged M23 to immediately cease hostilities and called for swift resumption of peace talks to address the crisis.
The conflict has intensified following M23’s capture of territories in Minova and Masisi, raising fears of a potential rebel assault on Goma, a critical economic and strategic hub in eastern Congo.
Governments, including those of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States, have issued urgent warnings to their citizens in Goma, advising them to leave the city as a precautionary measure.
The renewed violence highlights the fragile security dynamics in the region, with international actors emphasizing the need for dialogue and concerted efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further loss of life.
