GOMA, Congo — The M23 rebels, who have strong backing from Rwanda, expressed on Thursday their intent to extend their military campaign to the distant capital of Kinshasa. In response, Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi called for a substantial mobilization of military forces to counter the rebellion, while the Defense Minister dismissed any suggestions of engaging in dialogue with the insurgents.
In a video message, Defense Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita declared that any plans for negotiations with the rebels should be completely abandoned, emphasizing a commitment to resist the rebellion. “We will stay here in Congo and fight. If we do not stay alive here, let’s stay dead here,” he stated, underscoring his loyalty to Tshisekedi.
During a briefing aimed at consolidating their control over Goma and the surrounding areas in South Kivu, the M23 leaders claimed they were willing to discuss peace with the government, as urged by an East African regional group, despite their ultimate goal of acquiring political power. Corneille Nangaa, a political figure from M23, asserted, “We want to go to Kinshasa, take power and lead the country,” although he did not provide details on the rebels’ military strategy for advancing towards the capital, which is over 1,500 kilometers (close to 1,000 miles) away.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame communicated with Angola’s President Joao Lourenco, who is facilitating dialogue in this conflict. They both agreed to collaborate with other African nations to seek a resolution to the escalating situation. Although U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the conflict as a “very serious problem,” he opted not to elaborate, while a U.N. representative expressed concern over reports of Rwandan military forces crossing into Congo alongside advancing rebels.
The M23 rebels reportedly receive support from approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, a significant increase compared to the earlier conflict in 2012 when they first took Goma. The group is one among over a hundred armed factions fighting for dominance in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region, which is estimated to hold resources valued at $24 trillion and crucial for global technology.
Tshisekedi also encouraged the youth of Congo to join the military forces as neighboring countries urged the government to initiate talks with the rebels. Meanwhile, Kagame warned that Rwanda would respond forcefully to any confrontations with South Africa, which has voiced concerns regarding the fatalities of its peacekeepers in eastern Congo.
In his initial public comments since M23’s incursion into Goma, Tshisekedi committed to a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the rebels, while also reaffirming his intent for a peaceful resolution. He met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Kinshasa, with the presidential office indicating that France’s backing has been significant during recent U.N. discussions about the crisis. The statement further noted that Congo expects more decisive actions in light of the ongoing challenges.
Goma experienced severe disruptions on Thursday, marked by widespread power and water outages as bodies of alleged government soldiers were visible in the streets, shocking residents, including children. Reports emerged that M23 rebels escorted around 2,000 government troops and police who they claimed had surrendered to an undisclosed location while chanting anti-Tshisekedi songs.
Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Congo, remarked that Goma, a vital humanitarian center for over 6 million displaced individuals, is encountering dire humanitarian challenges compounded by the recent violent confrontations. “After several days of intense clashes, the city is now faced with massive humanitarian needs and severely impacted response capacities,” he said.
Footage taken in Goma illustrated residents scavenging through looted stores and warehouses, intensifying fears of a deteriorating cycle of violence, according to Cynthia Jones, the U.N. World Food Program’s emergency coordinator in the eastern region.
As the rebels make strides towards South Kivu’s capital, Bukavu, panic has gripped local populations. Civil society leader Néné Bintou reported hearing gunfire and explosions in Mukwinja, a town recently captured by the rebels, only 135 kilometers (approximately 86 miles) from Bukavu.
The Congolese military’s effectiveness has been compromised following the withdrawal of numerous foreign military contractors who disarmed and aligned with the rebels. Witnesses from Goma reported observing soldiers abandoning their uniforms and weapons as they fled to Rwanda or sought refuge in bases for international peacekeeping forces.
In light of the tensions, a summit of the East African regional bloc urged an immediate ceasefire in eastern Congo and pushed for dialogue between Tshisekedi’s government and the rebels. Notably, Tshisekedi did not attend the virtual summit, which also included representation from Rwanda.
While various African nations, alongside the U.N. and the United States, have advocated for an immediate ceasefire, concerns have risen regarding the potential for regional conflict, especially as tensions escalate with rebels moving deeper into South Kivu and ongoing disputes between officials from Rwanda and South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa blamed the “Rwanda Defense Force militia” for the recent violence that resulted in the deaths of 13 South African peacekeepers, asserting that his administration would ensure the peacekeepers receive adequate support during this crucial mission. His comments prompted a strong rebuttal from Kagame, who referred to the South African peacekeepers as a “belligerent force” and warned of Rwanda’s readiness to engage in any necessary confrontations.
The chaos surrounding the M23 has historical roots linked to ethnic conflicts that date back to the Rwandan genocide of 1994, during which a massive number of Tutsis and others were killed. M23 asserts that it is safeguarding ethnic Tutsis in Congo amidst alleged persecution by Hutus and others connected to the genocide. Following the first capture of Congo by the M23 in 2012, observers believe that a repeat of their previous withdrawal could be challenging this time around. The group has gained confidence with the support of Rwanda, which feels that its interests in the region are being overlooked, and previous peace agreements remain unmet. Experts note that this situation signifies a failure of African mediation efforts, given the prior indications of rising tensions and hostile rhetoric from both Kigali and the Congolese government.
