Congo’s Rwandan-Backed M23 Rebels Capture Strategic City of Goma

M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, claimed to have seized Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, early Monday. The capture follows the group’s 48-hour ultimatum for Congolese forces to surrender, which expired amidst heavy gunfire. The rebels urged residents to remain calm and called on Congolese military personnel to surrender at the central stadium.
The takeover has raised fears of worsening violence in the mineral-rich region, with over a third of North Kivu province already displaced. The United Nations has warned of devastating humanitarian consequences, describing mass panic among Goma’s 2 million residents.
Late Sunday, U.N. peacekeepers processed Congolese soldiers surrendering near the city. However, U.N. officials reported that M23 fighters had entered Goma’s outskirts, causing panic and using civilians as human shields.
Congo’s government severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda over its alleged support for M23, accusing Kigali of waging “a declaration of war.” Rwanda denies the accusations, while the U.N., the U.S., and France have called for an immediate ceasefire and urged Rwanda to withdraw its support for the rebels.
The surge in violence has claimed the lives of 13 peacekeepers, including two from South Africa and one from Uruguay. M23 fighters are reportedly targeting control of North Kivu rather than integration into Congo’s political system, as was the case during their last capture of Goma in 2012.
As civilians flee the escalating conflict, neighboring Rwanda has tightened border controls, leaving many displaced with nowhere to turn. “If fighting spreads in Goma, the impact on civilians could be catastrophic,” warned U.N. Deputy Humanitarian Chief Joyce Msuya.
Congo’s army, supported by U.N. peacekeepers and Southern African Development Community forces, continues to resist the M23 advance. However, fears grow of high casualties and further instability as the situation deteriorates.
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