The situation in eastern Congo has grown increasingly precarious. The rebel group M23 claims to have captured the city of Goma, intensifying the ongoing conflict.
Rebels Take Control of Goma
The M23 rebels announced their capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, declared, “We have taken control of Goma and ordered the soldiers to surrender by 3 p.m. local time.” However, no independent sources have confirmed these claims.
Meanwhile, residents reported continued gunfire and widespread looting in the city. By mid-morning, they saw M23 fighters alongside Congolese soldiers surrendering with white flags. Despite these developments, clashes persisted in the city center.
Rwandan and Congolese Forces Exchange Fire
The M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, advanced on Goma over the past few days. On Sunday, they reached Munigi, a suburb only nine kilometers from the city center. After negotiations, some Congolese soldiers reportedly evacuated Goma by boat.
In the meantime, Rwandan and Congolese forces exchanged fire across the border in Goma, as confirmed by United Nations sources. These skirmishes further escalated tensions in the region.
UN Security Council Demands Action
The UN Security Council convened on Sunday to address the crisis. They demanded an immediate halt to the rebels’ offensive and called on Rwanda to withdraw its alleged support for M23. “The roads are blocked, and the airport cannot facilitate evacuations or humanitarian aid,” stated Bintou Keita, head of the UN mission in Congo.
In addition, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom criticized Rwanda’s alleged involvement. Rwanda denied the accusations, with Rwandan UN Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo blaming Congo for failing to commit to peace.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The conflict in eastern Congo, plagued by instability since Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, has reached critical levels. M23 is the latest in a series of Tutsi-led rebel groups causing unrest. Since their January 23 offensive, hundreds of thousands have fled their homes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The World Food Programme, citing safety concerns, has paused its emergency aid.
The intensifying conflict and growing displacement highlight the urgent need for global attention and efforts to restore stability in eastern Congo.