GOMA, Congo — On Thursday, rebels supported by Rwanda announced their intentions to expand their conflict from eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma, all the way to the distant capital of Kinshasa. In response, Congo’s president has called for significant military mobilization to counter the insurgency, while the country’s defense minister dismissed suggestions for negotiation with the rebels.
In a video statement, Defense Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita ordered an immediate termination of any discussions with the rebels, emphasizing a commitment to fight for their territory. “We will stay here in Congo and fight. If we do not stay alive here, let’s stay dead here,” declared Muadiamvita, who is a staunch ally of President Félix Tshisekedi.
During a briefing that aimed to showcase their dominance over Goma and areas of South Kivu province, the M23 rebels hinted they might consider engaging in talks with the Congolese government, an idea supported by an east African regional organization of which Rwanda participates. Despite this, Corneille Nangaa, a prominent figure among the rebels, revealed their ultimate goal: to seize power in Kinshasa and govern the nation. However, he did not disclose any operational plans for advancing to the capital, which is situated over 1,500 kilometers away.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame communicated with Angola’s President Joao Lourenco—who is mediating the tensions—and both sides expressed their commitment to collaborating with other African nations to bring about a resolution. President Donald Trump called the situation “a very serious problem” but refrained from offering further insights. Additionally, a U.N. spokesperson conveyed concerns regarding reports of Rwandan military forces crossing into Congo in support of the advancing rebels.
According to U.N. experts, the M23 rebels have gained considerable strength, bolstered by around 4,000 Rwandan troops—a significant increase from the smaller force during their previous capture of Goma in 2012. The M23 are one of many armed factions clashing for control in Congo’s rich eastern region, which contains vast resources valued at approximately $24 trillion, crucial for global technology supply chains.
Amid the rising violence, President Tshisekedi called upon the youth of Congo to enlist in the army, appealing for support as a crucial regional meeting advised the Congolese government to engage with the rebels. Kagame has also issued warnings about possible confrontations with South Africa due to the deteriorating situation, especially after the deaths of South African peacekeepers attributed to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
In his first public statement since the M23 insurgents captured Goma, Tshisekedi declared that his government will implement a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the rebels while still emphasizing a desire for peaceful solutions. He also held discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Kinshasa, highlighting France’s considerable assistance to Congo in recent U.N. discussions regarding the crisis.
As chaos enveloped Goma, basic utilities were largely unavailable, and the streets were strewn with the bodies of alleged government soldiers, shocking local residents. M23 forces reportedly escorted about 2,000 government personnel—whom they claimed had surrendered—to an undisclosed area, with some individuals reportedly chanting anti-Tshisekedi slogans.
Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator, reported that Goma is suffering significantly due to the conflict, leading to critical humanitarian needs for over 6 million displaced individuals. “After several days of intense clashes, the city is now faced with massive humanitarian needs and severely impacted response capacities,” Lemarquis stated.
Footage from the city showed residents gathering food and goods from looted businesses, exacerbating concerns over escalating violence driven by desperation. Cynthia Jones, the emergency coordinator for the U.N. World Food Program, warned that these actions could spiral into an even more perilous cycle of violence.
With the M23 making further gains, anxiety swept through South Kivu, particularly in Bukavu, the provincial capital, as local witnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions in Mukwinja, a town recently taken by the rebels. The Congolese military has suffered setbacks, particularly after the withdrawal of hundreds of foreign contractors who left their weapons to the insurgents. Residents of Goma have noted instances of soldiers changing into civilian clothing and leaving their weapons behind before fleeing to Rwanda or seeking refuge in peacekeeping bases.
“The military bases in Bukavu have been emptied to reinforce those in Nyabibwe, Bushushu, and Nyamukubi,” said a youth leader, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns.
As tensions escalate, a summit of the East African regional bloc has urged an immediate ceasefire in eastern Congo and advocated for dialogue with the M23. Tshisekedi notably missed the virtual summit meeting attended by Rwanda, triggering speculation about his government’s stance.
Despite calls from various African nations, the U.N., and the United States for an urgent ceasefire, analysts caution that the risk of a broader regional conflict has grown, particularly with the M23’s advances and increasing tensions between Rwanda and South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pointed the finger at the “Rwanda Defense Force militia” for the ongoing violence that has led to the deaths of South African peacekeepers. He assured that his government will provide ample support for the peacekeepers in their critical missions. This statement prompted an irate response from Kagame, who labeled the South African peacekeepers as a “belligerent force.” He warned that if South Africa opts for confrontation, Rwanda is prepared to respond decisively.
The unfolding situation surrounding the M23 stems from longstanding ethnic strife, dating back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which saw the massacre of 800,000 Tutsis and others. The M23 claims they are defending Congolese Tutsis, while Rwanda alleges that this group faces persecution from Hutus and others. In the aftermath of the genocide, many Hutus found refuge in Congo.
Unlike their brief takeover in 2012, observers suggest that any withdrawal of the M23 may now be more challenging, with the group feeling emboldened by Rwanda’s backing. According to Murithi Mutiga, a director at the Crisis Group think tank, the situation underscores a failure of African mediation, with both Kigali and Kinshasa adopting increasingly aggressive postures leading to the current crisis.
