What happened?
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed gratitude to India and other nations contributing troops to the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following the deaths of three peacekeepers last week. Countries like South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay reported that on January 25, 2025, soldiers from their armies were killed while attempting to halt the advance of M23 rebel fighters in eastern DRC.
Why it matters to India:
India has been a key contributor to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), deploying 1,114 troops and 160 police personnel. Indian peacekeepers have played a vital role in maintaining stability, protecting civilians, and supporting regional humanitarian efforts. With 21 personnel lost since the mission’s inception in 2010, ensuring their safety remains a top priority for India. The recent deaths and the capture of Goma, a major eastern city of DRC, by M23 rebels underscore the ongoing instability, highlighting the urgent need for stronger international cooperation and more effective peacekeeping strategies.