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Twelve peacekeepers have been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as rebels affiliated with M23 continue to advance.
Some shit you should know before you read: The M23 rebels, also known as the March 23 Movement, are a predominantly ethnic Tutsi armed group that broke away from the Congolese army in 2012, citing grievances over poor treatment and unfulfilled peace agreements. Since their resurgence in 2022, the group has sought control of mineral-rich territories in eastern DRC, accusing the government of marginalizing Tutsis while reportedly pushing for political and territorial dominance. M23 has been widely accused of committing atrocities, including mass killings, forced recruitment of civilians, systematic rape, and other forms of violence, leaving a trail of devastation in areas under their control. Their actions have displaced over 2 million people and contributed to the destabilization of the region.

What’s going on now: In an announcement, the United Nations confirmed the deaths of 12 peacekeepers during clashes with M23 rebels in eastern DRC. Among the deceased were two soldiers from the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, nine South African troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission, and three Malawian soldiers. The peacekeepers were killed in two days of fighting as they attempted to prevent M23 rebels from advancing on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
Recent gains: The M23 rebels have made significant advances in recent weeks, capturing several strategic towns, including Sake, Minova, Katale, and Masisi, as they close in on the provincial capital of Goma. Sake, seized just 16 miles from Goma, cuts off one of the last government-controlled routes to the city, heightening fears of an imminent takeover. Goma is a key regional hub for humanitarian operations and security coordination, making it a critical prize for the rebels.
This all comes as M23’s war continues to create a humanitarian crisis for millions of civilians, with over 2 million people displaced since the group’s resurgence in 2022 and more than 400,000 forced to flee their homes this year alone. The conflict has resulted in many living in overcrowded camps plagued by poor sanitary conditions, food shortages, and widespread sexual violence.