UN Peacekeepers Wounded in Attack in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
NEW YORK — In a volatile clash between the powerful M23 rebel movement and government troops, eight peacekeepers from the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) were wounded, sparking condemnation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The skirmish took place near Sake, just 20 kilometers from Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, where UN troops have been working to protect civilians as part of Operation Springbok launched last November.
Guterres strongly denounced the attack, warning that it could be considered a war crime under international law. He urged all armed groups, both Congolese and foreign, to cease hostilities and participate in the disarmament process.
Special Representative Bintou Keita also condemned the assault, revealing that one peacekeeper sustained severe injuries and all have been evacuated for medical treatment. The injured troops had been collaborating with government forces in military operations as part of Operation Springbok.
Keita affirmed MONUSCO’s dedication to supporting investigations to hold the perpetrators accountable and reiterated the mission’s commitment to protecting civilians in collaboration with Congolese defense and security forces.
The Secretary-General and his Special Representative emphasized MONUSCO’s mission to implement its protection of civilians’ mandate from the Security Council and enhance joint patrols with local forces to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations. — UN News
