Escalation of Conflict in Eastern DRC: M23 Rebels Threaten Goma
Tens of thousands are fleeing eastern DRC as M23 rebels close in on Goma. Explosions and gunfire were reported in the city, signaling a potential takeover. DRC accuses Rwanda of support for the rebels, while Rwanda blames the DRC for fostering insurgents. Calls for a ceasefire are emerging amid the humanitarian crisis, with the UN urging for withdrawals and cessation of hostilities.
In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), tens of thousands of residents are fleeing as rebel forces, notably the M23 group, approach the major city of Goma. Local media reported on Sunday night that explosions and gunfire were audible in Goma, a city inhabited by over one million individuals. A spokesperson for the M23 rebels has declared their intent to seize Goma early in the morning local time.
This escalation follows an accusation by the DRC’s foreign minister, who claimed that Rwanda has instigated war by deploying troops to support the M23 rebels. In contrast, Rwanda asserts that the DRC supports militias aiming for regime change in Kigali. In response to the growing crisis, Kenya has called for a ceasefire and will host an emergency regional summit with the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda in attendance.
On the ground, M23 rebels have urged Congolese military personnel in Goma to capitulate in order to prevent further hostilities. The M23 group has gained control over extensive regions in the mineral-rich eastern DRC since 2021 and has been advancing toward Goma amid fierce clashes. The United Nations reports that over 400,000 people have been displaced in the provinces of North and South Kivu since the beginning of 2025.
Alice Feza, a woman who has fled multiple times, commented on her dire situation: “People are fleeing everywhere, and we do not know where to go anymore, because we started fleeing a long time ago.” Key routes surrounding Goma remain obstructed, and the city’s airport is no longer operational for evacuation or humanitarian assistance, as confirmed by the UN.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces from DRC territory and called on the M23 rebels to halt their advance on Goma. Guterres, through his spokesperson, demanded that Rwanda “cease support to the M23 and withdraw from DRC territory” and that the M23 “immediately cease all hostile actions and withdraw from occupied areas.”
The situation has deteriorated to the point where the UN announced it would withdraw all non-essential personnel from Goma while maintaining critical operations in the DRC. The United Kingdom has emphasized the need to cease attacks on peacekeepers, while France’s representative at the UN reiterated calls for Rwanda’s withdrawal. The DRC and the UN have reported that the M23 group is receiving support from Rwanda, which has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations.
The current crisis in the DRC is rooted in historical conflicts involving various armed groups and cross-border tensions with Rwanda. The M23 rebels have gained a significant foothold in eastern DRC since 2021, exacerbating the already fragile security situation. The DRC has accused Rwanda of instigating conflicts by supporting the rebels, while Rwanda alleges that the DRC assists groups seeking to undermine its government. This escalation has led to widespread displacement and calls for international intervention, highlighting the complexities of regional politics and security in the Great Lakes region of Africa.
The intensifying conflict in the DRC, exacerbated by the advance of M23 rebels toward Goma, has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with over 400,000 displaced individuals. International calls for de-escalation, including those from the UN and Kenya, underscore the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution. The ongoing tensions illustrate the interwoven history of conflict in the region and the critical role of international actors in seeking to restore peace and stability.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
