The South African Department of Defense said on Saturday that nine South African soldiers have been killed in the struggle area of Eastern Congo, as Congo soldiers and peace soldiers were struggling to stop the lead of Rwanda -backed rebels on Goma city.
Two Army sources said the Democratic Republic of Congo and its associates had earlier thwarted an overnight attack on the provincial capital with a population of over 1 million. The city was shocked by the sound of heavy bombing in the early hours.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s mineral-rich Mine-rich M 23 rebellion has intensified in January for three years, in which the rebels have occupied more areas than ever before, causing the United Nations to warn the threat of a wider regional war. Is.
South African National Defense Force said in a statement, till Friday, two other people from the two southern African and seven others from the Southern African Regional Block in Congo were killed in a two -day fierce battle.
It said, “The members bravely fought bravely to prevent the rebels from moving towards Goma, as they intended.” It states that the M23 rebels have been pushed back.
These deaths have occurred after an increase in hostility, due to which the military governor of North Kivu was also killed in the front row this week.
Reuters reporters said that the situation in Goma appeared calm on Saturday and people were busy with their work amid heavy police presence.
The Congo government and the army did not immediately respond to the request of comment on the situation of fighting in the area.
The United Nations said on Saturday that it started temporarily transferring its non-essential employees from Goma due to the deteriorating security situation in the province.
Hundreds of thousands migrate
Congo, United Nations and others have accused neighbor Rwanda of promoting conflicts with their soldiers and weapons. Rwanda denies this, but the increase in fight has called him a fresh call for separation.
The European Union said in a statement on Saturday, “Rwanda should stop its support for M3 and withdraw.”
The Rwanda government did not immediately respond to the remarks request.
During the last rebellion in 2012, the M23 managed to capture Goma for some time, inspiring international donors to cut assistance to Rwanda. Even then the rebels did not have as much strength as it is now.
According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, insecurity has already deepened the poor human situation of the eastern provinces and this year alone more than 400,000 people have been forced to escape from their homes.
Human Rights Watch said on Saturday, “The situation in front of Goma citizens is constantly becoming dangerous and human needs are very high.”
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the crisis.
