Crisis in DR Congo: Goma on the Brink as M23 Rebels Advance
Tens of thousands flee Goma as M23 rebels approach the city. Explosions and gunfire have been reported, with the M23 planning to capture it soon. DR Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, leading to rising tensions and calls for a ceasefire. The UN has urged Rwanda to withdraw forces, adding to the plea for peace amid increasing displacement and violence.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, tens of thousands are fleeing their homes as M23 rebel forces advance towards Goma, a city with a population exceeding one million. Recent reports indicate explosions and gunfire in the area, raising fears of an imminent assault on the city. A spokesman for the M23 declared intentions to capture Goma by 03:00 local time. Meanwhile, tensions escalate between DR Congo and Rwanda, with the Congolese government accusing Rwanda of military support for the rebels.
As the situation deteriorates, Kenya has intervened, advocating for a ceasefire and organizing an emergency summit with the leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda. Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the necessity for regional cooperation to facilitate peace while M23 has demanded that Congolese troops in Goma surrender to prevent further violence. Since 2021, the M23 has gained significant territorial control in eastern DR Congo, rapidly approaching Goma in recent weeks.
According to the UN refugee agency, more than 400,000 individuals have been displaced in the North and South Kivu provinces near Rwanda in 2025 alone. Displaced individuals like Alice Feza express despair over their plight, having fled multiple locations without a clear destination. The constant displacement creates an overwhelming humanitarian crisis, as the surrounding roads to Goma are blocked, and evacuation efforts are hampered by the airport’s closure.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces and for the M23 to halt its advance. His statement underlines the necessity for the M23 to cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied territories. The dire situation includes clashes that have resulted in the deaths of 13 peacekeeping soldiers, prompting international calls for an end to violence against peacekeepers.
Rwanda’s representatives argue the DR Congo is to blame for the conflict, having violated ceasefires. The UN has announced it would evacuate non-essential personnel from Goma, while essential operations continue in the region, highlighting the ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts despite the conflict.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been grappling with longstanding instability, particularly in its eastern regions, where various rebel groups operate. The M23 group has claimed territory since its resurgence in 2021, leading to humanitarian crises marked by massive displacements of civilians. Accusations of foreign interference, particularly involving Rwanda, complicate the conflict, escalating regional tensions and prompting international responses. Understanding this background is crucial to grasping the current crisis as Goma stands on the brink of conflict.
The current situation in Goma is critical as thousands flee the impending threat posed by M23 rebels. Regional and international calls for a ceasefire reflect the urgent need for resolution and humanitarian support. With rising tensions and accusations exchanged between the Congolese government and Rwanda, the international community remains concerned about the escalating violence and humanitarian consequences in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
