Fear and Gunfire Erupt as Rwanda-Backed Rebels Claim Control of Eastern Congo's Largest City
Residents of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, were fleeing on Monday after Rwanda-backed rebels claimed to have captured the key regional hub from Congolese forces. This comes as fighting intensified in recent days, despite calls from the UN Security Council for the insurgents to withdraw.
Gunfire echoed throughout Goma overnight, and by early Monday morning, dozens of rebels in military uniforms marched into the capital of North Kivu province, which lies on the Rwandan border. The Congolese government has not officially confirmed Goma’s fall, following its decision to cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda on Saturday.
The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, are one of around 100 armed groups fighting for control in the mineral-rich region, which has been the center of one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts. The rebels briefly took over Goma in 2012 but were forced to retreat under international pressure. They reemerged in late 2021 with increasing support from Rwanda, according to the Congolese government and UN experts, though Rwanda denies involvement.
Experts have warned that this renewed surge in violence could further destabilize the region, already grappling with one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Over 6 million people have been displaced, with more than a third of North Kivu’s population among those affected, according to a UN report.
Residents of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, fled on Monday after Rwanda-backed rebels claimed to have seized control of the regional hub amid escalating violence. The surge in fighting persists despite calls from the UN Security Council for the insurgents to retreat.
Gunfire echoed through Goma overnight before dozens of rebels in military uniforms marched into the North Kivu provincial capital early Monday. Goma, located on the border with Rwanda, lies approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) east of Congo's capital, Kinshasa. The Congolese government, which severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda on Saturday, has yet to confirm the city's capture.
The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda according to Congo's government and UN experts, are one of roughly 100 armed groups vying for control in the mineral-rich region. Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing the insurgents. The M23 previously seized Goma in 2012 but withdrew under international pressure. They resurfaced in late 2021, reportedly with increasing Rwandan support.
Analysts warn that the escalating violence could further destabilize the region, already grappling with one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. More than 6 million people are displaced across Congo, including over one-third of North Kivu's population, according to a UN report.
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