GOMA, Congo — On Monday, thousands of residents began fleeing Goma as clashes erupted between Congolese forces and M23 rebels allegedly supported by neighboring Rwanda, who claimed to have taken over the bustling eastern city. The population of approximately 2 million experienced significant chaos, with sporadic gunfire echoing throughout the streets. While some individuals sought refuge in safer areas within the province or even celebrated the arrival of the rebels, many others attempted the arduous journey to neighboring Rwanda, carrying belongings on their backs and heads as they walked through heavy traffic and sweltering temperatures.
Goma plays a vital role in the volatile North Kivu province, rich in minerals essential for global technology supply chains. Historical tensions among various rebel groups in this area revolve around control over these resources, often leading to clashes that force civilians to abandon their homes in search of protection. The extent of rebel control over Goma remains unclear, but the developments mark a significant escalation in the protracted conflict involving both countries.
“There is shooting all over the city. We don’t know who is shooting, whether it’s the M23 or our soldiers,” remarked Goma resident Patrice Naanga. The Congolese government has acknowledged the presence of M23 rebels in Goma, situated 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) east of the capital, Kinshasa, but did not explicitly state that the rebels had seized control of the city. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya expressed a resolute stance on social media, declaring that “not a single centimeter will be given up,” as he called for national solidarity.
Amid this turmoil, a fire at Munzenze prison in Goma led to the escape of thousands of inmates. “All the prisoners who were detained came out, whether women, men or minors, everyone came out,” recounted Mwamisyo Ndungo, an escapee who estimated that over 2,000 individuals fled the facility. The M23 rebels are among about 100 armed groups engaged in the long-standing struggle for dominance in this mineral-rich region, which is considered one of Africa’s largest conflicts. Having taken over Goma in 2012 before being forced to retreat under international scrutiny, the M23 has reemerged since late 2021, garnering alleged support from Rwanda—a claim that Rwanda has consistently denied.
The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized Congo for not engaging with the M23, labeling the group as “a Congolese rebel group fighting to protect their community.” The ministry contended that this lack of dialogue has exacerbated the fighting, posing a serious threat to Rwanda’s security and stability. The recent assault on Goma is viewed as the climax of prolonged hostilities between the rebels and Congolese forces, with various towns along the Rwandan border falling to the insurgents.
Experts warn that the renewed violence could further destabilize an already crisis-stricken region, where over 6 million people have been displaced, comprising more than a third of North Kivu’s population. Goma serves as a significant hub for trade and humanitarian efforts, and the fighting has prompted the closure of its airport, critical for supply transport. Images circulated by Rwandan state media showcased several Congolese soldiers surrendering in the Rwandan town of Rubavu after fleeing Goma.
During a virtual press briefing, U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix confirmed that the M23 has made notable advances in Goma while indicating ongoing “significant fighting” within the city, labeling the situation fluid and perilous for the already vulnerable civilian population. Lacroix mentioned an estimated presence of 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandans in Goma, though he noted that precise numbers remain difficult to ascertain. The U.N. peacekeeping mission is focusing on protecting its personnel and facilities, as well as civilians seeking refuge at its locations.
The U.N. Security Council has urgently called upon the M23 to cease its advances. Countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France have also condemned the rebel offensive. Meanwhile, the Congolese government has severed ties with Rwanda, describing the situation as one of open warfare and accusing Rwanda of aggressive actions. Rwanda, for its part, alleges that Congo is allied with Hutu rebels linked to a genocide in 1994, specifically targeting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which comprises individuals who fled to Congo post-genocide.
As fighting intensified, many residents in Goma felt compelled to seek safety across the border in Rwanda. The M23 rebels’ maneuvers threw Goma into upheaval as hospitals became overcrowded with casualties, and internally displaced camps suffered from escalating violence. Those displaced scrambled to gather any remaining possessions, loading them alongside children into tightly packed vehicles or scooters while making their way to safety. “We are fleeing because we saw soldiers on the border with Rwanda throwing bombs and shooting,” shared Safi Shangwe, who was among the evacuees.
Clashes with M23 rebels have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers, according to U.N. and military reports. The U.N. peacekeeping mission, known as MONUSCO, has been present in Congo for over two decades and has approximately 14,000 peacekeepers stationed in the area. The Uruguayan military, part of the U.N. force in Goma, reported on social media that over 100 Congolese soldiers had surrendered.
The M23, named after the March 23, 2009, agreement that concluded a previous uprising, is rooted in the grievances of ethnic Tutsis who have sought to defend themselves from discrimination. Initially motivated by desires for integration into the Congolese army and greater political participation, the group’s current aims seem more aligned with establishing control over eastern Congo’s territory. Analyst Darren Davids noted that the Democratic Republic of the Congo will need to depend on international pressure to compel both Rwanda and the M23 to relinquish control of the city, though the feasibility of such a scenario remains uncertain.
