The M23 rebel group has seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after a swift offensive. Corneille Nangaa, the group’s leader, announced that government forces must surrender by 3:00 a.m. local time. M23 fighters have reportedly advanced to Munigi, just 9 kilometers from Goma’s center.
Government Forces Ordered to Disarm
Rebel forces directed some government officers to leave for Bukavu by boat. They instructed others to surrender their weapons to MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo. Gunfire occasionally broke out across parts of Goma, which remained in darkness due to a power outage.
Ethnic Tensions and Allegations of Foreign Influence
The M23 rebels claim their offensive protects Congo’s ethnic Tutsi population. However, Congolese officials accuse the group of serving Rwanda’s interests, an allegation Kigali denies. Diplomatic ties between the two nations have deteriorated, with Rwanda blaming Congo for failing to pursue peace initiatives.
International Response and Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, reported that M23 and Rwandan forces blocked major roads, restricted Goma’s airspace, and disrupted humanitarian operations.
The violence since January 23, 2025, has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. Many now lack access to food, water, and basic services. Humanitarian agencies, overwhelmed by insecurity, have halted their operations, leaving affected communities in desperate need.
Rising Casualties and Regional Concerns
The conflict has caused significant loss of life, including the deaths of North Kivu’s military governor and three U.N. peacekeepers. The escalating violence has heightened fears of a broader regional war as Goma’s residents grapple with an uncertain and unstable future.
