M23 Rebels Claim Control Over Goma Amid Intensifying Conflict in DR Congo
Goma, DR Congo – January 26, 2025
The eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is on the brink as M23 rebels claim control over significant parts of the city following a rapid advance against Congolese forces. However, the DRC government has denied these claims, maintaining that strategic points, including the airport, remain under the control of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
Videos shared by residents depict M23 fighters patrolling Goma’s streets, with reports of gunfire and explosions dominating much of Sunday. The once-bustling city, home to over a million people, is now eerily quiet, with key roads blocked, the airport non-operational, and power and water services cut off in many areas.
Rwanda Accused of Backing M23 Rebels
Tensions escalated further as DRC’s foreign minister accused neighboring Rwanda of deploying troops to support the M23 rebels, effectively declaring war. While Rwanda has not denied supporting the group, it accuses DRC of collaborating with militias aimed at destabilizing the Rwandan government.
In response, Kenyan President William Ruto, chair of the East African Community, called for an immediate ceasefire. Both DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are set to attend an emergency summit to address the crisis.
Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
Since the start of 2025, more than 400,000 people have fled their homes in North and South Kivu provinces, according to the UN refugee agency. Many have sought refuge in Goma, only to face further displacement.
Alice Feza, a displaced woman, shared her despair:
“We have been fleeing for so long—Kiwanja, Rutshuru, Kibumba—and now Goma. We have nowhere left to go.”
The United Nations has begun evacuating non-essential staff from Goma and has called on the M23 rebels to halt their advance. UN Secretary General António Guterres demanded that Rwanda withdraw its forces and cease supporting the rebels.
Violence and Chaos Grip Goma
The situation remains volatile, with reports of heavy artillery hitting central Goma, mass looting, and a prison jailbreak where a facility housing 3,000 inmates was burned down. Deaths were reported during the jailbreak, although details remain unclear.
Local journalist Akilimali Selah Chomachoma described the scene as “complicated,” while Reverend Damiri of HEAL Africa hospital confirmed hearing sporadic gunfire.
Amid the chaos, some FARDC soldiers have reportedly surrendered their weapons, while others continue to resist. A deadline imposed by the rebels for soldiers to lay down their arms expired on Monday morning.
Global Reactions
The conflict has drawn international condemnation. The UK has called for an end to attacks on peacekeepers, while France and the UN have reiterated demands for Rwanda to withdraw its forces. Rwanda’s UN representative, Ernest Rwamucyo, countered these allegations, blaming the Congolese army for violating the ceasefire.
Background of the M23 Rebellion
Formed in 2012, M23 emerged as an offshoot of another rebel group, citing the protection of the Tutsi population in eastern DRC as its primary goal. Critics, however, accuse Rwanda of using M23 as a proxy to exploit the mineral-rich region, looting resources like gold, cobalt, and tantalum.
As the conflict rages, Goma faces an uncertain future. The international community continues to push for a peaceful resolution, but on the ground, civilians remain caught in the crossfire of a war that has already displaced millions and caused untold suffering.
