The incident occurred in the vicinity of Sake, just 20 kilometers from Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu.
The wounded peacekeepers, who were part of Operation Springbok initiated last November to safeguard civilians in the region, sustained their injuries amidst the ongoing fighting, where UN troops have been assisting Government forces in order to protect vulnerable civilians.
In a strongly-worded statement issued by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, emphasizing that it could amount to a war crime under international law.
Expressing his wishes for a swift recovery for the injured peacekeepers, he reiterated calls for all armed groups, Congolese and foreign fighters alike, to immediately cease hostilities and engage in the disarmament process.
Furthermore, the UN chief emphasized the necessity for M23 to withdraw entirely from territory it has occupied and conform to the agreements outlined in the Luanda communiqué of November 2022, to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.
Bintou Keita, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and head of the UN mission MONUSCO, joined in the condemnation, denouncing the attack .
She said that one of the wounded ‘blue helmets’ had suffered severe injuries and all have been evacuated for appropriate medical care.
The peacekeepers had been deployed for several weeks as part of Operation Springbok in the restive North Kivu area, working jointly with Government troops in military operations. Ms. Keita reaffirmed MONUSCO’s commitment to support investigations in the hopes of bringing those responsible to justice.
The Secretary-General and his Special Representative reaffirmed MONUSCO’s resolve to further implement its protection of civilians mandate from the Security Council and work alongside Congolese defence and security forces to reinforce joint and unilateral patrols to protect civilians.
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It’s truly devastating to hear about the attack on peacekeepers in DR Congo. My thoughts are with the injured peacekeepers for a speedy recovery. It’s crucial for all armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and work towards peace. The international community must stand together to ensure the safety of civilians in the region.
As an avid supporter of UN peacekeeping missions, I strongly condemn the ambush on the peacekeepers in DR Congo. It is crucial for all armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and prioritize the safety of vulnerable civilians. My thoughts are with the injured peacekeepers for a speedy recovery.
It’s truly disheartening to hear about the attack on the peacekeepers in Congo. The brave individuals risking their lives to protect civilians deserve our utmost respect and support. I hope for their quick recovery and urge all parties involved to prioritize peace and disarmament for the sake of the vulnerable populations in the region.
It is truly devastating to hear about the attack on the peacekeepers in Congo. Such brutal acts must be strongly condemned, and those responsible should be held accountable. Wishing a quick recovery to the injured peacekeepers and urging all armed groups to immediately cease hostilities for the sake of protecting civilians in the region.
I strongly believe that protecting peacekeepers should be a top priority, and this attack in Congo only highlights the dangers they face daily. It’s crucial for all parties involved to respect international law and cease hostilities immediately to prevent further tragedies.
Was the attack a targeted effort against the peacekeepers or a random incident amidst the fighting?
It appears that the attack was a deliberate strike against the peacekeepers, considering the location and circumstances. Such attacks undermine efforts for peace and must be unequivocally condemned.
What a terrible attack on peacekeepers in Congo! It’s crucial for all armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and engage in the disarmament process. My thoughts are with the injured peacekeepers for a swift recovery.
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of peacekeepers in future operations in Congo?
In response to JenniferSmith97’s query, enhanced security protocols are being implemented to safeguard peacekeepers in future operations in Congo. These measures include increased intelligence gathering, better coordination with local security forces, and stricter adherence to operational guidelines. The safety and well-being of peacekeepers remain a top priority for the UN mission in the region.
What a despicable attack on those peacekeepers! The perpetrators must be brought to justice swiftly. My thoughts are with the injured soldiers for a speedy recovery. It’s crucial for all armed groups to lay down their weapons and prioritize peace in the region.
Do we have any updates on the condition of the injured peacekeepers mentioned in the article?
Hi EmilyDavis, according to the latest report, the injured peacekeepers are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition. Let’s keep them in our thoughts for a quick recovery!
As a peace advocate myself, I am utterly appalled by this heinous attack on the peacekeepers in Congo. It is imperative that all parties involved cease hostilities and prioritize the safety of civilians. My thoughts are with the injured peacekeepers, and I stand with the UN Secretary-General in condemning such despicable acts of violence.