GOMA, Congo — On Tuesday, Congolese security forces engaged in efforts to halt the advance of M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, who claim to have taken control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo. The situation has escalated abruptly, resulting in reported violence, widespread looting, and multiple bodies left on the streets, according to United Nations officials.
Hospitals in Goma, which serves as a key trade and humanitarian center, are overwhelmed as they accommodate hundreds of thousands attempting to escape the violence, including gunfire and shells. This surge in hostilities has triggered protests in the capital, Kinshasa, leading demonstrators to attack at least ten foreign embassies, including those of the United States and France, prompting both nations to advise their citizens to vacate the city.
In response to these protests, Congo’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner addressed an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council, expressing regret over the damage to diplomatic properties. She emphasized the importance of adhering to diplomatic protocols and assured the international community that measures are in place to safeguard embassies within Congo.
The M23 rebels are one of approximately 100 armed factions competing for influence in the resource-rich North Kivu province, where Goma is located. These resources are pivotal to the technology sector, raising the stakes of the conflict.
Reports from U.N. humanitarian affairs spokesman Jens Laerke indicated an alarming rise in incidents of gender-based violence, looting, and attacks on humanitarian and healthcare facilities in Goma. Laerke noted the dire humanitarian conditions, citing heavy firing and numerous fatalities in the streets, while hospitals struggle to cope with an influx of casualties.
Many residents are fleeing into Rwanda, navigating treacherous conditions amid ongoing gunfire and heavy rains, as they try to escape the fighting between Congolese troops and the rebels. “What we want is for this war to end,” stated Christian Bahati, a teacher now taking refuge in Gisenyi, Rwanda. He expressed the frustrations many Congolese feel, having become victims while seeking safety from invaders.
The dissent in Kinshasa fueled anger, manifesting in crowd actions that involved looting and arson at embassies in the capital, including those belonging to Rwanda, the U.S., France, Belgium, and Kenya. Protesters demanded that the international community speak out against Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict, with voices like Timothée Tshishimbi calling out the hypocrisy of global politics.
The embassies condemned these actions, with the Congolese government reinforcing security measures at the diplomatic missions. Countries such as the U.S., U.K., and France have publicly denounced Rwanda for supporting the rebel movement. Additionally, the African Union Peace and Security Council has called for an immediate halt to hostilities and the disbandment of M23 and other rebel groups.
It remains uncertain how much of Goma is under M23 control, although there are indications that the group is more assertive than during their previous brief takeover of the city in 2012. Since resurfacing in late 2021, the rebels have reportedly gained backing from Rwanda, a claim that Rwanda has denied, despite U.N. experts estimating the presence of Rwandan forces in the region.
Eyewitness accounts describe the ongoing violence, with residents like Sam Luwawa expressing confusion about the current dynamics of control in the city amidst the chaos. Reports indicate significant casualties among both peacekeepers and foreign soldiers resulting from the conflict.
Manzi Ngarambe, a spokesperson for the M23 diaspora, claims the rebels are in control of Goma and intend to establish governance to restore normalcy and help displaced individuals return home. Ngarambe insisted that there would be no bloodshed and expressed their willingness to engage in talks with Congolese leaders while denying any affiliation with Rwandan support.
Meanwhile, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated that Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi must engage proactively with M23 to resolve the conflict. Rwandan military officials assert that their involvement is aimed solely at safeguarding Rwanda’s borders from threats, as concerns grow regarding the resurgence of Hutu militias potentially linked to past genocidal acts.
The humanitarian crisis in Goma has reached alarming levels, as emphasized by U.N. humanitarian coordinator Bruno Lemarquis. He reported instances of shells striking hospitals, killing civilians and injuring vulnerable populations, including newborns and pregnant women. Access to aid remains severely limited, stranding those reliant on external support for survival while infrastructure essential for humanitarian operations is compromised.
Some analysts warn of the escalating risk of a broader regional conflict should peace negotiations falter, with historic dialogues between Congolese and Rwandan leaders previously falling short. Expert Murithi Mutiga indicated that the likelihood of confrontation is greater than it has ever been, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
