GOMA, Congo — Early Monday morning, M23 rebels, believed to be supported by Rwanda, announced they had taken control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo. This development was met with widespread alarm among the city’s 2 million residents, with the United Nations reporting a state of mass panic. The Congolese government characterized the rebels’ actions as a “declaration of war.”
Minutes before a 48-hour ultimatum given by the rebels for the Congolese army to surrender was set to expire, gunfire erupted across Goma. Two aid workers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reported hearing shots throughout the city. In a statement, the rebels urged Goma’s inhabitants to remain calm and instructed military personnel to gather at a central stadium.
This latest offensive by the M23 rebels in a mineral-rich area further complicates an already entrenched conflict in one of Africa’s longest wars, with fears of escalating violence and further displacement of civilians. A United Nations report indicated that more than a third of the population in North Kivu province, where Goma resides, is currently displaced, a situation that may worsen with the capture of the city.
Late Sunday, United Nations peacekeepers began to assist members of the army who were surrendering on the outskirts of Goma. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya expressed the need for civilian protection during this volatile situation, noting that the country faces a dynamic conflict where developments are rapidly changing.
In an emergency Security Council meeting, the U.N.’s representative for Congo highlighted the dire predicament as key transport routes were blocked and the airport became inoperable. He described the situation as one where “we are trapped.” The Congolese government severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda on Saturday, a move supported by the U.S. and U.N., as violence continues to escalate. More than a dozen peacekeepers have lost their lives due to the increase in armed confrontations, while more Congolese civilians are being displaced.
The U.N. Security Council condemned the M23’s military advances and urged the rebel faction to retreat from the territories they have overtaken. The M23 has increased its territorial control along the Congolese-Rwandan border recently. On Sunday, the rebels demanded that members of the Congolese army surrender their weapons or face an imminent assault.
Reports from the Uruguayan military, part of the U.N. peacekeeping force, confirmed that some Congolese soldiers were disarming themselves. More than a hundred military personnel are now seeking safety at a local base, awaiting a disarmament and reintegration process. Visual documentation shared with the reports showed armed men mingling in civilian clothing and military attire.
According to Bintou Keita, the U.N. special representative for Congo, despite efforts from peacekeepers to support Congolese forces, the M23 has made significant advancements and has been accused of using civilians as human shields. She also reported that M23 has declared the airspace over Goma closed, marking a severe blockade on humanitarian access.
Congo’s foreign minister has accused Rwanda of directly engaging in aggression against his country, while Rwanda’s U.N. ambassador refrained from confirming the allegations, instead blaming Congo’s government for the ongoing tensions. The U.S. and France jointly called for an immediate ceasefire, putting pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its support for the M23.
In recent days, violence in the region has resulted in the deaths of several peacekeepers and many more have been hospitalized from injuries. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced the M23 offensive and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Allegations of Rwanda supporting the M23, which comprises ethnic Tutsis, continue to circulate, with Congo pushing for greater accountability. Rwanda’s government asserts its troops are in eastern Congo solely for its security, claiming to respond to threats posed by accumulating Congolese military forces near the border.
As conflict escalates, residents of Goma are fleeing, fearing for their safety. Testimonies have emerged from displaced persons who witnessed violence on the borders and heard that similar dangers might be advancing toward the city. Some have attempted to cross into Rwanda seeking refuge. Meanwhile, humanitarian officials warn that should hostilities reach Goma, the impact on civilians could be catastrophic.
The Congolese army is reportedly engaged in defending against the M23 with the assistance of U.N. peacekeepers and allied regional forces. However, recent losses among peacekeeping forces have raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation.
Despite the turmoil, some residents like Bahati Jackson have chosen to stay in Goma, believing it is better to remain put than risk fleeing when faced with uncertainty.
