In eastern DRC, thousands are fleeing the advancing M23 rebels toward Goma. Explosions and gunfire have been reported, with claims of an imminent takeover by rebels. Accusations of Rwandan involvement in the conflict have surfaced, leading to increased regional tensions and calls for a ceasefire. Over 400,000 people have been displaced, and critical infrastructure in Goma is compromised, prompting a UN evacuation of non-essential staff.
In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), vast numbers of individuals are fleeing from towns as M23 rebel forces advance toward the city of Goma, home to over one million residents. Reports indicate that explosions and gunfire reverberated through the city late on Sunday night. An M23 spokesman has claimed that their forces are set to capture Goma at 03:00 local time.
Tensions escalated after DRC’s foreign minister accused Rwanda of waging war by sending troops to aid the M23 rebels. Rwanda countered these allegations, asserting that the DRC supports militias seeking regime change in Kigali. Amid these developments, Kenya has urged a ceasefire and plans for a regional summit with leaders from DRC and Rwanda.
The M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains in eastern DRC since 2021 and have instructed Congolese troops in Goma to surrender to prevent further bloodshed. The UN reports that over 400,000 individuals have been displaced in the North and South Kivu provinces since the beginning of 2025. One displaced woman, Alice Feza, expressed her despair, stating, “People are fleeing everywhere, and we do not know where to go anymore.”
Critical routes around Goma are obstructed, and the airport is inoperable for evacuation and humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called upon Rwanda to withdraw its forces and for the M23 rebels to halt their advance. He emphasized the need for both parties to de-escalate tensions and work towards peace.
Additionally, clashes with M23 rebels resulted in the deaths of thirteen peacekeeping soldiers, which has drawn condemnation from the United Kingdom and France. The DRC government and the United Nations allege that the M23 is backed by Rwanda, while Rwanda has not denied this support and instead blamed the DRC for escalating the conflict.
The UN has announced it will withdraw all non-essential staff from Goma amidst these ongoing threats, while essential operations within the DRC will continue. The situation is dire, necessitating immediate international response and intervention to stabilize the region and protect civilian lives.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been deteriorating as M23 rebel forces have resumed their offensive since 2021, leading to significant territorial gains in the mineral-rich eastern provinces. The escalating violence has resulted in a substantial humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes. Relations between DRC and Rwanda have also soured, with mutual accusations exacerbating tensions and complicating international diplomatic efforts to bring peace to the region.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, fueled by the resurgence of M23 rebels and international tensions, has led to a humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement. The United Nations and various countries have called for an immediate response to the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and de-escalation. Without intervention, the threats to civilian safety and regional stability will likely worsen.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
