East African leaders have called for immediate action to address the dire situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the M23 rebel group has captured the city of Goma, sparking concerns over potential regional instability. During a special virtual summit of the East African Community (EAC) hosted by Kenya, the leaders urged the Congolese government to engage directly not only with the M23 but also with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate dialogue and peace.
The summit, which took place just days after Goma fell to the M23 on January 27, 2025, was attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame but was noticeably skipped by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, who opted instead for discussions in Angola. The failure of Tshisekedi to attend has been criticized as neglecting the gravity of the situation at home. A communique from the summit emphasized, “The summit called on all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and observe... humanitarian access to the affected population.”
Goma’s fall has triggered widespread alarm over potential humanitarian crises, displacing thousands as fighting erupts. The city has historically held pivotal strategic importance, and its loss marks one of the largest escalations since 2012. Recent advances by the M23 included key locations such as Masisi and Sake. The fighting has uprooted residents, leading thousands to flee to neighboring countries like Rwanda.
Kigali’s involvement has drawn sharp criticism and accusations of fostering instability. President Kagame countered this narrative by claiming Rwanda’s military actions were protective, aimed at safeguarding Rwandan interests from Hutu-led militias, which he characterized as posing existential threats to the Tutsi population. Kagame states, "If South Africa wants to contribute to peaceful solutions... Rwanda will deal with the matter...,” referring to increasing tensions with South Africa, which has voiced concern over the conflict.
The humanitarian dimension of the crisis is significant, with the United Nations reporting increasing casualties—over 2,000 wounded and at least 45 confirmed dead from the violence surrounding Goma. Care organizations like Doctors Without Borders have documented deteriorations in civilian safety and increasing instances of gender-based violence exacerbated by the conflict. Workers from comprehensive organizations, including the World Health Organization, have fled, compounding the crisis.
Further complicity arises from the presence of nearly 300 European mercenaries reportedly involved in the conflict, highlighting international entanglements as they secure safe passage home through Rwanda. These mercenaries alleged involvement now aggravates the local narrative of foreign exploitation.
Goma, the largest city of North Kivu and once understood as a bastion against armed groups, now lies under the control of fighters whose aspirations seem centered on undermining the Kinshasa administration. Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the M23, proclaimed, “We are here in Goma to stay. We are going to continue the march until Kinshasa,” underscoring the group's renewed ambitions of taking over the nation's capital.
The backdrop of this violence is intertwined with broader regional politics. The EAC summit condemned attacks on diplomatic missions, pushing the Congolese government to guarantee protection for embassies and staff. South Africa's Defense Minister voiced fears of full-blown regional war if the conflict remains uncurbed. This concern echoes as Rwanda is accused of sending troops to advance alongside the M23.
Relations between Rwanda and the DRC continue to deteriorate, with both sides blaming the other for perpetuating violence. The DRC's top officials refer to the M23 fighters as “terrorist proxies” of Rwanda, arguing they are looting valuable resources from the eastern territories. This geopolitical feud goes back decades and continues to manifest through current military confrontations.
The international community, especially powers like South Africa and the EU, faces increasing pressure to mediate effectively. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to Kagame’s claims by cautioning about imminent war declarations from any escalation of the conflict. The need for meaningful dialogue and conflict resolution seems more pressing than ever for both regional stability and humanitarian prevention.
The DRC’s internal political environment adds another layer of complexity. While conflict rages externally, President Tshisekedi is facing opposition to potential constitutional changes aimed at extending his time in office. The idea of altering the constitution has created tension domestically, leading to fears of civil unrest should changes be implemented without widespread support.
Accelerated military operations by the M23 coupled with international political maneuvering indicate significant upheaval on the horizon for the DRC and surrounding nations. The recent developments pose severe threats not just to the integrity of DRC but also to regional peace, entrenching cycles of conflict and humanitarian suffering.