The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in tens of thousands fleeing as M23 rebels close in on Goma. Explosions were reported in the city, and Rwanda’s involvement has intensified accusations of aggression from the DRC. The UN has called for immediate withdrawals and a ceasefire as over 400,000 people have been displaced since early 2025.
Tens of thousands of individuals are fleeing eastern urban areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as rebel forces approach the city of Goma. Reports indicate that explosions and gunfire were heard in the city, which houses over one million residents. A spokesperson for the M23 rebels announced their intent to capture Goma by 03:00 local time.
This situation escalated after the DRC’s foreign minister accused Rwanda of waging war by sending troops to support the M23 rebels. In response, Rwanda has claimed that the DRC is backing insurgent groups seeking political change in Kigali. Kenya has called for a ceasefire and plans to host an urgent regional summit involving the DRC and Rwandan leaders.
On the ground, M23 rebels are urging Congolese soldiers in Goma to surrender to prevent further violence. The group has gained control over vast territories in resource-rich eastern DRC since 2021, advancing toward Goma amid escalating clashes. The UN refugee agency reported that over 400,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu provinces since the beginning of 2025.
One displaced individual, Alice Feza, expressed her despair at the ongoing war and constant relocation, stating, “People are fleeing everywhere, and we don’t know where to go anymore, because we started fleeing a long time ago.” Key roads around Goma are blocked, and the airport has become unusable for evacuations and humanitarian missions according to the UN.
UN Secretary General António Guterres has demanded that Rwanda withdraw its troops from the DRC and urged the M23 rebel group to halt its offensive towards Goma. In the wake of violent clashes that resulted in the deaths of thirteen peacekeeping soldiers, Guterres also condemned the ongoing attacks against peacekeeping personnel. Both the DRC and the UN assert that Rwanda supports the M23 group.
While Rwanda has not denied backing the M23, it has shifted responsibility onto the DRC for the conflict’s progression. Rwanda’s UN representative regretted that the international focus was on condemning the M23 instead of addressing violations committed by the Congolese army. The UN has announced plans to evacuate all non-essential personnel from Goma, though essential operations will continue in the DRC.
The current crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) involves a resurgence of violence in the eastern provinces, particularly as the M23 rebel group seeks to capture the city of Goma. This region has seen repeated cycles of conflict fueled by political instability, ethnic rivalries, and competition for rich mineral resources. The situation is exacerbated by the involvement of neighboring countries, specifically Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels, thus complicating diplomatic efforts to restore peace.
The situation in Goma is critical as tensions rise with advancing rebel forces. The mass displacement of civilians, along with the international community’s call for immediate ceasefires, highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. The involvement of regional players, particularly Rwanda, adds complexity to the conflict, necessitating a coordinated response to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and restore stability in the DRC.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
