Tens of thousands are fleeing Goma in DR Congo as M23 rebels advance, amid accusations of Rwandan support. The UN calls for a halt to hostilities and the withdrawal of foreign troops. Over 400,000 have been displaced, with key roads to Goma blocked. International leaders are urged to seek a diplomatic resolution to the escalating conflict.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), tens of thousands of individuals are fleeing as M23 rebel forces approach the vital city of Goma, which is home to over a million residents. Reports of explosions and gunfire were heard late Sunday, coinciding with rebel claims that they intend to capture Goma. The situation escalated following accusations by DR Congo’s foreign minister, who alleged that Rwanda has declared war by supporting the M23 rebels. Kenya has advocated for a ceasefire and called for a summit between the presidents of DR Congo and Rwanda to address the crisis.
The M23 rebels have urged Congolese troops in Goma to surrender in order to avert potential bloodshed, as the group has taken significant territory in eastern DR Congo since 2021. As fighting intensifies, more than 400,000 people have been displaced in the North and South Kivu provinces since the start of 2025, according to the United Nations refugee agency. The plight of displaced individuals is exemplified by Alice Feza, who lamented her precarious situation amid ongoing violence, stating, “People are fleeing everywhere, and we don’t know where to go anymore.”
Access to Goma has become increasingly restricted, with key roads blocked and the airport no longer operational for humanitarian efforts. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Rwanda to remove its forces from DR Congo and for the M23 rebels to halt their advance. Guterres emphasized the need for immediate cessation of hostilities, highlighting the casualties among peacekeeping forces, including the deaths of 13 soldiers in recent clashes with rebels.
International responses have included calls for enhanced protection for peacekeepers, and France’s UN representative reiterated the demand for Rwanda’s withdrawal from DR Congo. While both the DR Congo government and UN allege Rwandan support for the M23 group, Rwanda’s leadership has shifted the blame to the Congolese authorities, arguing that they are responsible for the situation due to failed ceasefire agreements. As tensions rise, the United Nations announced a withdrawal of non-essential staff from Goma while continuing essential operations in the region.
The article discusses the escalating conflict in eastern DR Congo, particularly focusing on the M23 rebels’ advance towards Goma, a critical city. Tensions have been heightened due to allegations of Rwandan involvement in supporting the M23 group, leading to widespread displacement and violence. Peacekeeping efforts by the UN are also under threat, with calls for ceasefires and international diplomacy intensifying as the situation deteriorates.
The situation in DR Congo continues to be grave, with thousands displaced and international calls for ceasefire and diplomatic efforts escalating. The involvement of Rwanda and the M23 rebels has created a complex crisis that requires immediate attention from regional leaders and the international community. The plight of those affected, like Alice Feza, underscores the urgent need for resolution to prevent further humanitarian disaster.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
