Link to article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/30/dr-congo-8-un-peacekeepers-killed-in-helicopter-crash
Summary: Recently eight people on board a Puma Helicopter were killed after the Helicopter was shot down. The Helicopter was on a reconnaissance mission when it crashed in the area of Tshanzu, which has been a hot spot for conflict between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese Soldiers. DRC’s army claimed that the helicopter was shot down by the M23 rebel group but the rebel group claimed it was the Congolese Military. This incident raises concerns as it signals a resurgence of M23 activities in the tri border area around Rwanda-DRC-Uganda. These activities involve armed groups bringing violence into civilian areas putting civilian life at risk. After 2013 the M23 group was driven out of the DRC and into the neighboring countries Uganda and Rwanda. The Ugandan Army has entered into the battle against the M23 rebel group and stated they killed 14 members of the rebel group on the border that they share with the DRC. There have been regional efforts to demobilize the M23 but they have yet to succeed.
Analysis: Countries number one priority is or should be to keep civilians safe and rebel groups such as M23 endanger civilians and cause disarray in countries. The article clearly shows that even those not involved in the conflicts that M23 starts are still affected by them. As a region Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda are working to stop this group from causing more death and destruction as they should to ensure the safety of their citizens. This uniting between three countries however could been seen as a good thing. It shows that for certain situations this portion of the world which is known to be unstable and conflict-ridden can act as countries should and deal with issues. It also sparks hope that these countries can solve their domestic issues and start becoming more powerful of a nations
How this relates to class: This shows us how nations work together to halt rebel groups. Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda are not countries that are known for their stellar international image and cooperation. But this shows that when it’s in their common interest these countries will be able to cooperate. This relates back to the common goods problem which is the fact that most countries only act in their own self interest so it’s difficult to get them to work together. The problem of violence is one that all of these countries face and they are working together to get rid of one of the causes of that which is the M23 rebel group.