GOMA, Congo — A sense of fear took over Goma on Thursday as M23 rebels progressed closer to the city in eastern Congo, engaging in intense clashes with the Congolese military. Explosions resonated from the outskirts, and numerous injured civilians were rushed to the main hospital from surrounding towns and villages.
The rebel faction has gained considerable ground in recent weeks, encroaching upon Goma, a bustling city populated by nearly 2 million residents and an essential center for security and humanitarian operations. M23 is one of approximately 100 armed groups competing for control in eastern Congo, rich in mineral resources, a conflict area that has persisted for decades, resulting in one of the most significant humanitarian crises globally.
In excess of 7 million individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing hostilities. Earlier this month, M23 took control of the towns of Minova, Katale, and Masisi, located to the west of Goma.
“The people of Goma have endured immense suffering, just like other Congolese individuals,” commented Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for M23, on social media. “M23 is advancing to free them, and they should be prepared to receive this liberation.” M23 previously captured Goma in 2012 and held it for more than a week.
As news of the conflict circulated, educational institutions in Goma sent students home on Thursday morning. “We’ve been informed that the enemy intends to invade the city, which is why we are being asked to leave,” said Hassan Kambale, a 19-year-old high school student. “We are always on edge, waiting for the sound of explosions.”
Congo, alongside the United States and U.N. experts, accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, predominantly consisting of ethnic Tutsis who defected from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Rwanda’s government denies these allegations but admitted last year to having troops and missile systems positioned in eastern Congo to ensure its security, citing a military buildup by Congolese forces near the border. U.N. officials estimate there may be around 4,000 Rwandan troops present in Congo.
On Wednesday, Congo’s communication minister, Patrick Muyaya, stated in an interview that war with Rwanda might be “an option to consider.” Congolese officials asserted on Thursday that the army successfully repelled an attack from the “Rwandan army” in Sake, a town just 27 kilometers (16 miles) from Goma. However, verification concerning the involvement of Rwandan forces in the assault remained unconfirmed.
The situation in Sake is ambiguous, with some locals claiming that the rebels have gained control and occupied the town. “The community is in a state of panic. The M23 has now taken significant portions of the area,” remarked Léopold Mwisha, the head of the civil society organization in Sake.
The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued a warning on Thursday regarding “an increase in the intensity of armed conflict near Sake” and urged U.S. citizens in North Kivu province, which encompasses Goma, to remain vigilant and prepared for potential evacuation.
Numerous individuals fleeing from Sake have become part of the over 178,000 people who have escaped the advance of M23 over the past two weeks. The CBCA Ndosho Hospital in Goma is currently overwhelmed, treating hundreds of new casualties.
Many individuals sought refuge from the violence by crossing Lake Kivu on boats, arriving in Goma with their meager belongings clutched tightly. Neema Matondo described her harrowing escape from Sake amid the night when the first blasts erupted, witnessing horrific scenes of destruction around her.
“We managed to escape, but sadly, others did not make it,” Matondo recounted, emphasizing the tragedy of the situation. Mariam Nasibu, who fled with her three children, was in tears, recounting the loss of a leg sustained by one of her children during relentless shelling. “As I was fleeing, another explosion struck close to me, injuring my child,” she sobbed.
