India closely monitoring Democratic Republic of Congo conflict, ensuring safety of citizens, peacekeepers

New Delhi, Jan 31: New Delhi has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where intense clashes between M23 rebels and government forces have lead to a humanitarian crisis and the loss of several UN peacekeepers.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has assured that it is closely monitoring the developments, particularly with regard to Indian nationals and troops deployed under the United Nations’ MONUSCO mission.

“We are closely following the developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We remain concerned at the deteriorating security situation. We call for a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing on Friday.

With fighting escalating around the eastern city of Goma, India has taken steps to ensure the safety of its citizens in the conflict zone. “Our Embassy in Kinshasa has issued advisories for Indians living in the Goma area where the conflict has taken place. There are about 1,000 Indian nationals who were living in Goma, but most of them have moved to safer places since the outbreak of the conflict. The Embassy remains in regular touch with the community for their welfare and safety,” Jaiswal stated.

India also has a significant military presence in the region, with over 1,200 Indian troops serving under the UN peacekeeping mission in eastern DRC. “We are in regular touch with the UN on the evolving situation in DRC,” Jaiswal added.

The violence in DRC took a serious turn on January 25, when 13 UN peacekeepers were killed in clashes with M23 rebels. Among the deceased were four South African soldiers, highlighting the growing threat to international peacekeeping forces stationed in the country. The situation remains volatile, with continued rebel advances and heavy fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese military.

North Kivu's military governor, Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, was killed by M23 rebels while inspecting the frontline more than a week ago. The conflict has displaced over 400,000 people this year, with hospitals in Goma struggling to cope with casualties. Reports indicate that more than 200 civilians have been killed in M23-controlled areas, and humanitarian aid has been severely disrupted.

The capture of Goma by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) coalition, which includes M23 rebels, has drawn global attention due to the region’s vast reserves of rare minerals essential for electronics manufacturing.

The conflict has also strained diplomatic ties between the DRC and Rwanda, with Kinshasa cutting ties with Kigali over allegations that Rwanda is supplying weapons and troops to M23.

Several Western nations, including France, the UK, Germany, and the US, have issued advisories urging their citizens to leave Goma. Human Rights Watch has warned of escalating atrocities, accusing both M23 and government forces of committing severe human rights abuses.