The city of Goma, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is now firmly under the control of the M23 rebel group, marking one of the most significant escalations in the long-standing conflict between the rebels and the DRC government. The rebels, backed by Rwanda, announced their capture of this strategic city following the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the surrender of Congolese troops.
The M23, short for March 23 Movement, officially declared the "liberation of the city" early on Monday, January 27, 2025, amid heavy gunfire reported across various parts of Goma, which has around two million residents. The UN Security Council has described the situation as causing "mass panic," as thousands attempted to flee the city.
Congolese government officials have denounced the M23 advance as "a declaration of war" by Rwanda, whom they accuse of directly supporting the rebels. The DRC has since severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, recalling diplomats from the neighboring country and calling for UN sanctions. The situation escalated quickly; within hours of announcing their control over Goma, local officials voiced concerns about the looming humanitarian crisis.
According to Bintou Keita, the UN's special representative for the DRC, the violence has already resulted in the deaths of at least 13 UN peacekeepers, as clashes between M23 fighters and the Congolese army, supported by peacekeeping forces, escalated over recent days. South Africa's government reported the death of nine of its troops amid heavy fighting. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the advances and urged M23 to cease all military operations.
The capture of Goma has catastrophic potential displacement effects; the UN estimates over one-third of North Kivu's population is already displaced. Goma's strategic significance cannot be understated — it sits on the border with Rwanda and serves as a regional hub for both humanitarian efforts and security operations. The regional conflict involving multiple armed groups has produced one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises.
Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos, with civilians fleeing and looting reported on the streets. A brief video circulated on social media showed heavily armed men believed to be M23 fighters parading through Goma, prompting residents to scramble toward the Rwandan border. Despite the panic, the rebels urged civilians to remain calm and called on Congolese soldiers to present themselves at the central stadium.
This current surge is not without historical precedent. M23 previously captured Goma back in 2012 but withdrew following international pressure. This time, M23 appears to be consolidated and less inclined to relinquish control. UN experts indicate they have bolstered their ranks with 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers from the Rwandan Defense Forces.
Rwanda has denied providing support to M23, framing its military presence as necessary for its security. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asserted the conflict is fueled by the DRC's failure to address the issues surrounding Hutu militias operating from its territory, linked to the fallout from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Questions arise over the international community's response, as France and the United States have called for Rwanda to withdraw its forces and voiced strong condemnations of the rebel advances. An emergency UN Security Council meeting was convened, with no comprehensive resolution yet achieved. Frustration within the DRC government was palpable as they voiced fears of intensified regional conflict, reminiscent of previous incursions by Rwanda during the Congo Wars.
Consequently, there’s heightened concern over the humanitarian fallout of the M23's advances. Areas already struggling with high rates of displacement are set to face even greater challenges, with fears mounted over the care of vulnerable populations amid the conflict.
Humanitarian agencies are bracing for more disruption as the fighting continues, signaling potential for widespread suffering. The UN deputy humanitarian chief, Joyce Msuya, warned of the deteriorations, echoing sentiments shared by local leaders on the ground. “If hostilities spill over, the impact on civilians could be catastrophic,” she said.
For now, as Goma grapples with the chaos following the M23's takeover, the international community watches closely, weighing pressure on Rwanda amid calls for peace and dialogue. Meanwhile, the Congolese government’s commitment to resist the rebels and international intervention remains integral to preventing another full-blown regional conflict.