The incident occurred near Sake, just 20 kilometers from Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu. Wounded peacekeepers, part of Operation Springbok aimed at protecting civilians in the region, sustained injuries during ongoing fighting where UN troops were supporting government forces. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement strongly condemning the attack, stating it could constitute a war crime. He called for all armed groups, including Congolese and foreign fighters, to cease hostilities and engage in disarmament. Guterres also emphasized the need for the M23 group to withdraw from occupied territory and adhere to agreements outlined in the Luanda communiqué to uphold the sovereignty of the DRC.
Bintou Keita, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and head of the UN mission MONUSCO, also condemned the attack, noting that one peacekeeper had sustained severe injuries and all had been evacuated for medical care. The peacekeepers had been part of Operation Springbok in North Kivu, working alongside government troops in military operations. Keita reiterated MONUSCO’s commitment to support investigations to bring those responsible to justice. The Secretary-General and his Special Representative reaffirmed MONUSCO’s dedication to implementing its mandate to protect civilians and working with Congolese defense and security forces to reinforce patrols for civilian protection.
The incident has brought attention to the ongoing conflict and instability in the North Kivu region, where armed groups continue to pose a threat to civilians. The attack on peacekeepers highlights the dangers faced by those working to protect vulnerable populations in conflict zones. The UN’s condemnation of the attack and calls for all armed groups to cease hostilities underscore the urgency of addressing the situation and ensuring the safety of civilians in the region. The commitment of MONUSCO to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable demonstrates the determination to uphold international law and protect peacekeepers serving in dangerous environments.
The Secretary-General’s emphasis on the M23 group’s withdrawal from occupied territory and adherence to agreements aims to restore peace and stability in the region. By urging all armed groups, both Congolese and foreign fighters, to engage in disarmament, Guterres is seeking to reduce violence and protect civilians from harm. The collaboration between UN peacekeepers and government forces in military operations highlights the importance of working together to address the root causes of conflict and promote peacebuilding efforts in the DRC. The condemnation of the attack and the commitment to justice for the wounded peacekeepers signify a united front in the international community’s efforts to bring stability to the region and protect those at risk.
In conclusion, the attack on peacekeepers in North Kivu underscores the challenges faced in protecting civilians in conflict zones and the importance of upholding international law to hold perpetrators accountable. The condemnation by the UN Secretary-General and MONUSCO’s commitment to investigating the incident demonstrate a united front in addressing the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. By calling for all armed groups to cease hostilities and engage in disarmament, the international community is working towards restoring peace and security in the DRC. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by peacekeepers and the need for continued efforts to protect those working to safeguard vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas.
