The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, claimed control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, on Monday. This development, described as a “declaration of war” by the Congolese government, has escalated tensions in the conflict-ridden region. The United Nations reported widespread panic among Goma’s two million residents, with civilians fleeing en masse amid rising violence. The M23 group declared their seizure of the city shortly before a deadline they had set for the Congolese army to surrender. Gunfire resounded throughout Gomaearly Monday, according to humanitarian workers on the ground.
In a statement, the rebels called on residents to remain calm and urged members of the Congolese military to surrender at the city’s central stadium. The fall of Goma, situated in North Kivu province, poses a significant threat to the stability of the mineral-rich region, exacerbating what is already one of Africa’s most protracted and devastating conflicts. Over a third of North Kivu’s population is displaced, and the capture of Goma is expected to worsen the humanitarian crisis. Reports indicated that United Nations peacekeepers began processing surrendering Congolese soldiers on the city’s outskirts late Sunday.
Patrick Muyaya, a Congolese government spokesman, emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing it as a “war situation” in which developments were rapidly unfolding. The U.N.’s special representative to Congo, Bintou Keita, described the conditions as dire during an emergency Security Council meeting. She highlighted the isolation of Goma, with its airport closed and roads blocked, leaving peacekeepers and humanitarian actors “trapped.” Keita also reported that the rebels were advancing into Goma’soutskirts, using civilians as human shields, while others fled in fear.
Congo’s government severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23, accusations that Kigali denies despite evidence presented by U.N. experts. Rwanda’s government has instead accused Congo of stoking the conflict. The M23 rebel group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, was formed over a decade ago after splitting from the Congolese army. It is among approximately 100 armed groups vying for control in eastern Congo, a region rich in valuable minerals but plagued by instability. Although Rwanda has denied supporting the group, U.N. estimates suggest that as many as 4,000 Rwandan forces are present in eastern Congo, further complicating the situation.
The U.N. Security Council issued a strong condemnation of the M23’s actions and called for their withdrawal. Meanwhile, the United States and France urged Rwanda to halt its alleged support for the rebels, with the U.S. threatening potential measures to hold accountable those sustaining the conflict. The U.N. Secretary-General, AntónioGuterres, strongly condemned the M23 offensive and its reported collaboration with Rwandan forces, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The M23’s resurgence has raised questions about its motives, which analysts suggest are different from previous demands for political integration and military inclusion. This time, the group appears intent on territorial control, particularly in North Kivu province. Experts warn that renewed fighting in Goma could result in catastrophic civilian casualties, given the city’s dense population.
On Sunday, heavy fighting erupted near Goma, prompting displaced civilians from camps near the Rwandan border to flee. Many expressed uncertainty about their safety, with some attempting to cross into Rwanda. Humanitarian organizations have warned that if hostilities intensify within Goma, the consequences for civilians could be devastating. Migration officers at the Rwanda-Congo border meticulously scrutinized travel documents as people sought refuge.
The M23 previously seized Goma in 2012 but withdrew following significant international pressure on Rwanda. However, analysts contend that achieving a similar outcome may be more challenging now, given the rebels’ apparent shift in objectives. The situation underscores the longstanding complexity of the conflict in eastern Congo, which has been marked by overlapping ethnic, political, and economic grievances. As the crisis unfolds, calls for an immediate ceasefire and international intervention grow louder to avert further humanitarian catastrophe.