# Canadian Troops redeployed from Eastern Congo as M23 rebels advance

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/02/canadian-troops-redeployed-from-eastern-congo-as-m23-rebels-advance/
- Published: 2025-02-23T08:58:57+01:00
- Author: Kazim Abdul

In response to escalating conflict in eastern Congo, Canadian soldiers have been
temporarily relocated from a major city in the region. The United Nations and local
sources report that over 110,000 people have been displaced in recent days due to
the unrest.

The conflict has intensified as rebels close settlement camps while battling multiple
armed groups and government forces for control of the mineral-rich area. The rebel
group M23, which is supported by Rwandan troops, [seized the city of Goma in late January.](https://www.military.africa/2025/02/the-fall-of-goma-all-you-need-to-know/)

Maj. Graeme Scott, spokesperson for the Canadian Joint Operations Command, stated
that the Canadian Armed Forces have made the decision to temporarily relocate personnel
from Goma to Uganda. This move is based on recent assessments of the security situation
in Goma. “The relocation affects seven Canadian military members who were part of
Operation Crocodile in Goma, including six who directly support the UN peacekeeping
mission and one who supports the other members,” Scott explained.

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The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic
of Congo (MONUSCO) was established in 2010 to protect civilians from violence and
monitor a UN arms embargo following the Second Congo War. Scott confirmed that other
Canadian military members will remain in Kinshasa, the capital and largest city 
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to continue supporting the MONUSCO
peacekeeping mission in person.

The personnel relocated from Goma to Uganda will still conduct operational activities
to support the mission, Scott added.

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The United Nations Security Council [recently extended](https://www.military.africa/2025/01/unsc-extends-monusco-mandate-by-12-months/)
the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for an additional year.

The violence in the Goma area has been driven by armed groups fighting for control
of land and mines while attempting to protect their communities. This conflict has
been ongoing for decades, with no immediate resolution in sight. Rwanda and Uganda
have been [accused of supporting the M23 rebellion.](https://www.military.africa/2024/08/rwanda-and-uganda-backs-m23-rebels-in-dr-congo/)

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Meanwhile, the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has [activated Operation Springbok III ](https://www.military.africa/2025/01/un-peacekeepers-activate-operation-springbok-iii-against-m23-rebels-in-goma/)
in response to the advance of M23 rebels on the North Kivu capital, Goma. The operation,
led by UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ Special Representative, Bintou Keita,
involves two battalions, a Special Forces platoon, and an artillery battery as part
of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to counter the offensive.

Meanwhile, MONUSCO has officially [ended its operations](https://www.military.africa/2024/07/monusco-wraps-up-south-kivu-operation/#google_vignette)
in the South Kivu province. This marks a significant transition for the region, 
which has seen its share of conflict and unrest.

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