The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has plunged deeper into chaos as the M23 rebel group announced its capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, following intense clashes with Congolese government forces. The takeover, confirmed on January 27, 2025, has triggered widespread displacement, civilian casualties, and fears of a looming humanitarian disaster, further threatening regional stability.
The M23, also known as the March 23 Movement, claimed to have liberated Goma after a swift military offensive. In a statement, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka urged residents to remain calm, asserting that the situation was under control. However, reports from the ground painted a starkly different picture, with heavy gunfire and explosions continuing to rock the city, leaving civilians in a state of panic.
The conflict in eastern DRC has deep historical roots, with the M23 rebels seeking to exploit the region’s vast mineral resources while claiming to defend the rights of the Tutsi minority. The area has been a hotspot of violence since the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with tensions spilling over into prolonged regional wars. Human rights organizations and UN officials have accused Rwanda of backing the M23, alleging the presence of approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops supporting the rebel group.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix described the situation as “volatile and dangerous,” emphasizing the challenges faced by UN forces in protecting civilians amid the escalating violence. “There have been significant advances by M23, and to a large extent, a shift in the balance of forces,” Lacroix stated.
The humanitarian impact of the crisis has been devastating. Hospitals in Goma have reported numerous casualties, including fatal strikes on maternity wards, while essential services such as water and electricity have been cut off. Bruno Lemarquis, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the DRC, highlighted the severity of the crisis, calling it “one of the most protracted, complex, and serious humanitarian crises on Earth.”
Over 237,000 people have been displaced this month alone, with many fleeing to Goma only to find themselves trapped in a city under siege. “Civilians are caught between M23 forces and the government military, with fleeing individuals unsure of their safety even within Goma,” a local resident recounted.
The Congolese government has condemned the M23’s actions and accused Rwanda of direct involvement in the conflict, labeling it “a declaration of war.” Speaking at a recent UN Security Council meeting, DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner called for international intervention to address Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebels.
Rwanda, however, has denied the accusations and shifted blame to the DRC, arguing that the crisis stems from the Congolese government’s failure to pursue peace initiatives.
As the situation in Goma remains dire, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and prevent further escalation. The capture of Goma by M23 rebels not only threatens the stability of the DRC but also risks reigniting regional conflicts, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated response to address the humanitarian and security challenges.
*By Nyanza Daily Correspondent*
