The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a deepening crisis as the rebel alliance, led by the Rwandan-backed M23 group, claims to have seized Goma, the largest city in the mineral-rich eastern region. This rapid advance has forced hundreds of thousands to flee, grounding flights and blocking roads in a humanitarian emergency that threatens to escalate into a regional war.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, announced on Sunday that they had captured Goma and ordered defending soldiers to surrender by 3:00 a.m. local time. “Goma is in our hands,” Nangaa stated, further asserting that government forces had been permitted to retreat by boat to Bukavu following negotiations. However, independent verification of the city’s status remains elusive, as the Congolese government and military have yet to respond to these developments.
The M23 rebels, known for their disciplined tactics and heavy armament, claim to be protecting Congo’s ethnic Tutsi population. However, Kinshasa accuses them of acting as proxies for Rwanda’s expansionist ambitions—allegations that Rwanda has consistently denied. As tensions soar, the DRC has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, blaming Kigali for supporting the insurgency and orchestrating sniper attacks, including the killing of North Kivu’s military governor.
The humanitarian toll is mounting, with the United Nations reporting mass displacements since the M23 launched its latest offensive on January 23. Civilians fleeing the conflict face blocked escape routes, a grounded airport, and power outages in Goma. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Sunday, with the head of the U.N. mission in Congo, Bintou Keita, warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe. “We are trapped,” she declared, as M23 declared Goma’s airspace closed.
The international community has reacted with sharp condemnation. The United States, France, and Britain have called out Rwanda for allegedly fueling the conflict, urging a de-escalation to prevent further destabilization of the region. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s U.N. Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo deflected blame, accusing the DRC government of failing to uphold peace commitments.
This crisis unfolds against a backdrop of historical tensions, including regional wars tied to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. The mineral-rich eastern Congo remains a hotbed of conflict, with numerous armed groups vying for control. Aid agencies are struggling to respond as the World Food Programme has temporarily halted emergency operations due to the violence.
The stakes are high. The seizure of Goma, a strategic hub, could deepen regional instability, further straining one of the world’s most fragile humanitarian landscapes. With no immediate resolution in sight, the conflict continues to escalate, leaving millions vulnerable to its devastating impacts.
