M23 Rebels Say They Have Taken DR Congo City As Thousands Flee

Posted by: lukwago J in African News January 27, 2025

In a surprising turn of events, M23 rebels have seized control of the city of Goma in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Videos circulating online show M23 rebels patrolling the main streets of Goma, marking their swift advance against the Congolese army.

This sudden takeover has triggered mass exodus from neighboring towns, with tens of thousands of residents fleeing for safety.

Following hours of intense gunfire and explosions, Goma, a city of over a million inhabitants, now lies eerily quiet as reported by local media.

The tranquility follows accusations by DR Congo’s foreign minister, pointing fingers at Rwanda for allegedly crossing borders to support the M23 rebels, an act viewed as a declaration of war. Rwanda, in turn, accuses Kinshasa of backing militias seeking to destabilize Kigali.

In the midst of escalating tensions, Kenya has stepped in, urging for a ceasefire and announcing an emergency regional summit where the Presidents of DR Congo and Rwanda are expected to convene.

Kenyan President William Ruto, currently chairing the East African Community, emphasizes the importance of regional leaders in mediating a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Humanitarian crisis unfolds

The M23 group’s territorial expansion in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo since 2021 has triggered a humanitarian crisis. Recent weeks have witnessed the group’s rapid advancement towards Goma, resulting in intense clashes.

Over 400,000 individuals have been displaced in North and South Kivu provinces near the Rwandan border, according to the UN refugee agency.

Amidst the chaos, voices of despair emerge, like that of Alice Feza, who has fled through multiple towns and now finds herself stranded in Goma.

The plight of displaced individuals like Ms. Feza underscores the urgency of the situation, with key roads blocked and the city’s airport rendered inaccessible for evacuation and aid efforts, as per UN reports.

International calls for action

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from DR Congo and urged the M23 rebels to halt their advance.

The tragic loss of 13 peacekeeping soldiers in clashes with the rebels has sparked global condemnation. The UK and France have echoed calls for peace, emphasizing the need to protect peacekeepers and de-escalate the conflict.

Amidst the blame game, both DR Congo and the UN point fingers at Rwanda for backing the M23 rebels. Rwanda, while not denying the support, shifts blame to the Congolese army for violating ceasefire agreements.

At a Security Council meeting, Rwanda’s UN representative expressed regret over the focus on condemning the M23 group, calling for a more balanced approach in addressing the conflict.

With the UN withdrawing non-essential staff from Goma, essential operations continue in the DR Congo as efforts persist to navigate the delicate humanitarian situation amidst escalating tensions.

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