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.
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.
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.
The United Nations Security Council recently extended 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.
Meanwhile, the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has activated Operation Springbok III 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 in the South Kivu province. This marks a significant transition for the region, which has seen its share of conflict and unrest.
