Congo fighting intensifies
- 11 years ago
The intensified fighting for the Congolese city of Goma is taking its toll.
A United Nations peacekeeper was killed and three others wounded on Wednesday in a joint operation with the Congolese army to drive out M23 rebels.
The U.N forces sprang into action last week with a tough new mandate to protect civilians after the rebels were accused of shelling the city.
The rebels know their presence within striking distance of Goma will boost their leverage in peace talks which are currently stalled.
They're resisting the army's efforts to push them back.
Goma's residents say they just want the conflict to end.
(SOUNDBITE)(Swahili) BUSINESSMAN J.P. KASONGO SAYING:
"In general we need help to stop the war so that we can get on with our daily lives and live in peace and harmony. When the fighting is going on we're not able to carry on with our businesses as civilians are affected and flee the area making everyone worried."
Government soldiers ar
A United Nations peacekeeper was killed and three others wounded on Wednesday in a joint operation with the Congolese army to drive out M23 rebels.
The U.N forces sprang into action last week with a tough new mandate to protect civilians after the rebels were accused of shelling the city.
The rebels know their presence within striking distance of Goma will boost their leverage in peace talks which are currently stalled.
They're resisting the army's efforts to push them back.
Goma's residents say they just want the conflict to end.
(SOUNDBITE)(Swahili) BUSINESSMAN J.P. KASONGO SAYING:
"In general we need help to stop the war so that we can get on with our daily lives and live in peace and harmony. When the fighting is going on we're not able to carry on with our businesses as civilians are affected and flee the area making everyone worried."
Government soldiers ar