GOMA, Congo — Chaos erupted in Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, on Thursday, as M23 rebels steadily advanced toward the city, capturing a nearby town amid ongoing clashes with the Congolese military. Explosions echoed from the outskirts of Goma, and the main hospital was inundated with hundreds of injured civilians evacuated from the conflict zone.
The rebel organization has made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, moving closer to Goma, which boasts a population of approximately 2 million and serves as a crucial center for security and humanitarian activities. On Thursday, M23 forces captured Sake, a town situated just 27 kilometers (16 miles) from Goma and one of the last major transport routes into the provincial capital still under the control of the government, as outlined by the United Nations.
M23 is just one of more than 100 armed groups fighting for influence in the resource-rich eastern region of Congo, which borders Rwanda. This conflict has persisted for decades, contributing to one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally. Currently, over 7 million individuals have been displaced due to ongoing violence. Earlier this month, M23 took control of several towns, including Minova, Katale, and Masisi, situated to the west of Goma.
According to Lawrence Kanyuka, an M23 spokesperson, the group’s aim is to “liberate” the people of Goma. He issued a statement on X, emphasizing that residents should prepare to embrace their liberation. M23 previously seized Goma in 2012, maintaining control for over a week.
Following reports of escalating fighting, schools in Goma sent students home on Thursday morning. “We were informed that the enemy is approaching the city, which is why we were told to leave,” explained 19-year-old high school student Hassan Kambale, expressing the anxiety of waiting for further bombings.
Congo, along with the United States and U.N. observers, holds Rwanda accountable for allegedly providing support to M23, a group mainly comprised of ethnic Tutsis who defected from the Congolese military over a decade ago. Although the Rwandan government denies these allegations, it acknowledged last year that it stationed troops and missile systems in eastern Congo for security reasons, citing a buildup of Congolese forces near its border. U.N. experts estimate that as many as 4,000 Rwandan soldiers may currently be in Congo.
On Wednesday, Congo’s communication minister, Patrick Muyaya, mentioned to a French broadcaster that war with Rwanda was “an option to consider.” Later that day, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the renewed M23 offensive, specifically the capture of Sake, emphasizing its detrimental effects on civilians and the potential for wider regional conflict. He urged all factions to respect human rights and adhere to international humanitarian law.
Congolese authorities reported that their military repelled an attack in Sake, attributing some involvement to what they called the “Rwandan army,” but verification of these claims remains unconfirmed. Léopold Mwisha, a civil society leader in Sake, remarked on the widespread panic among residents, with the M23 now controlling significant portions of the town.
Guterres expressed deep concern over the continuing presence of Rwandan troops in Congo and their apparent support for M23. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued a warning about heightened armed conflict in the vicinity of Sake and advised American citizens in North Kivu province, which includes Goma, to remain vigilant and prepared to evacuate if necessary.
The United Kingdom similarly advised its nationals to vacate Goma while routes remain accessible, noting that M23 has gained control of Sake. Many residents of Sake have joined over 178,000 individuals who have fled the advancing M23 in the past two weeks.
The CBCA Ndosho Hospital in Goma was overwhelmed, treating hundreds of newly injured individuals. On Wednesday, thousands escaped the turmoil by crossing Lake Kivu, arriving in Goma crammed into packed boats, many carrying their belongings tied around their heads.
Neema Matondo recounted her nighttime escape from Sake, describing the horrific scene surrounding her as explosions erupted and chaos reigned. “We got away, but tragically, others didn’t,” she said. Mariam Nasibu, who fled Sake with her three children, wept as she recounted the traumatic experience of losing a child’s leg during the relentless shelling. “As I was fleeing, another bomb fell ahead of me, striking my child,” she lamented.
