Tens of thousands are fleeing Goma, DR Congo, as M23 rebels advance towards the city amidst reports of violence. Rwanda is accused of supporting the rebels, while regional leaders, including Kenya’s president, seek a ceasefire and emergency talks. The UN demands the withdrawal of Rwandan forces and calls for an end to attacks on peacekeepers, amidst a rising humanitarian crisis with over 400,000 displaced since January.
A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo as M23 rebel forces advance towards Goma, prompting tens of thousands to evacuate their homes. Explosions and gunfire have been reported in the city, home to over a million residents. A rebel spokesman announced their intention to seize Goma, while accusations have emerged against Rwanda for allegedly militarily supporting the M23.
In a recent development, the Congolese Foreign Minister accused Rwanda of instigating war by sending troops to assist the M23 rebels, a claim rejected by Kigali. In response, Kenya is seeking a ceasefire and plans to facilitate discussions between the leaders of the DR Congo and Rwanda. Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the need for regional collaboration to establish a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
On the ground, the M23 rebels have urged Congolese soldiers to surrender to minimize violence, having gained significant control of eastern DRC’s resource-rich areas since 2021. UN statistics indicate that more than 400,000 residents have been displaced since the beginning of 2025 due to ongoing hostilities.
Displaced individuals like Alice Feza express despair over their precarious situation. She described her fear and confusion as she fled Goma amidst escalating conflict, stating, “People are fleeing everywhere, and we don’t know where to go anymore, because we started fleeing a long time ago.”
The United Nations has stated that critical roads around Goma are obstructed, and the city’s airport is incapacitated for evacuation efforts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces and urged the M23 group to halt its assault on Goma. The loss of 13 peacekeepers in skirmishes has intensified calls for protecting UN personnel.
Rwanda’s leaders have acknowledged their support for the M23 but have placed blame on DR Congo for perpetuating instability. The Rwandan UN representative expressed disappointment over the international community’s response, highlighting alleged ceasefire violations by the Congolese military. The UN has begun withdrawing non-essential staff from Goma, while essential operations continue amid deteriorating conditions.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern regions, has a complex historical context marked by political tensions, ethnic rivalries, and external influences, notably from neighboring Rwanda. The M23 rebel group emerged in the wake of longstanding grievances related to armed groups’ resurgence and political instability following Congo’s civil wars. As of late 2023, renewed hostilities have seen this group gaining territory and forcing thousands to evacuate, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
In summary, the situation in eastern DR Congo, particularly in Goma, is critical, with thousands fleeing and significant military tensions escalating. The involvement of Rwanda and the calls from the UN for a ceasefire and withdrawal of troops highlight the urgent need for diplomatic intervention. Local populations face humanitarian crises as violence disrupts their lives, underscoring the broader implications of regional instability.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
