Goma, DR Congo – January 27, 2025 – The M23 rebel group has announced its capture of Goma, a crucial city in eastern DR Congo, following a swift offensive against government forces. However, the Congolese government has denied losing control, maintaining that its military still holds strategic sites, including the city’s airport.
The violence has triggered a massive displacement crisis, with the UN reporting that over 400,000 people have fled their homes in North and South Kivu provinces since the beginning of the year. While some areas of Goma remain calm, others are engulfed in sporadic gunfire.
Rwanda Under Scrutiny
Tensions have escalated further with DR Congo accusing Rwanda of launching an undeclared war by supporting M23 fighters. Rwanda denies these allegations and instead blames Kinshasa for backing militias seeking to destabilize Kigali’s government.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Rwanda to withdraw any forces from DR Congo’s territory and called on M23 to immediately cease its military activities.
Regional and Global Reactions
Kenyan President William Ruto, current chair of the East African Community, has convened an emergency summit to address the crisis. Meanwhile, the UK and France have condemned recent attacks on UN peacekeepers, during which 13 soldiers were killed.
Worsening Humanitarian Conditions
The fighting has created severe humanitarian challenges:
- Major roads blocked, making it difficult to deliver aid or evacuate civilians.
- Goma’s airport is out of operation for humanitarian flights.
- Thousands of families have been forced to flee repeatedly as violence spreads across towns and villages.
- Looting has been reported in parts of the city, compounding the hardship for residents.
Context on M23
Emerging in 2012, M23 claims to defend the Tutsi community in DR Congo’s east, though the group has been accused of exploiting the region’s mineral resources, including gold and cobalt. Rwanda, which has been linked to the group, denies direct involvement but faces criticism for allegedly using M23 to further its economic and political interests.
As the conflict intensifies, pressure is mounting on regional leaders and international stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution and address the deep-rooted issues fueling instability in the region.
