In January 2025, Goma, DRC, experienced an escalation of conflict as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced into the city. The situation has led to significant violence, with casualties among peacekeepers reported. Humanitarian concerns are mounting, and protests have erupted in Kinshasa against Rwanda’s involvement. International condemnation of the conflict has occurred, alongside calls for renewed peace talks.
On January 26, 2025, Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), faced a significant crisis as Congolese forces engaged Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in a critical fight. The violence not only threatened the city, which has a population of 2 million but also impacted the humanitarian conditions for over 6 million people displaced by ongoing regional conflict. Amidst escalating tensions, gunfire and explosions were reported overnight, with the airport now closed due to combat.
The situation deteriorated further when M23 rebels advanced into Goma after seizing several nearby towns. Residents expressed confusion about control over the city amidst assurances from the rebels of their control. The Congolese armed forces and South African peacekeepers faced increased attacks, resulting in casualties including the death of three peacekeepers.
Humanitarian spokespersons stressed that Goma’s crisis marks an alarming escalation in an already serious situation, with reports indicating civilians suffering injuries from shelling. Thousands attempted to flee the violence, as aid groups struggled to reach affected individuals due to blocked transport routes and disrupted services.
International concern has heightened with condemnation directed at Rwanda for its alleged involvement in supporting the rebels. Nevertheless, Rwanda has shifted blame onto the DRC for not adhering to prior peace treaties. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss the pressing need for renewed peace negotiations between the two nations.
In the capital Kinshasa, protests erupted as citizens demonstrated against Rwanda’s involvement in the escalating conflict. Opposition leader Martin Fayulu criticized President Tshisekedi’s response, urging for increased international backing and implying that should the situation not improve, the president could be held accountable for the nation’s decline.
The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is embroiled in ongoing violence stemming from ethnic tensions and armed conflicts involving various rebel groups, particularly the M23 rebels. Since their emergence in 2012, the M23 has claimed multiple attacks, re-emerging in 2021 with alleged support from neighboring Rwanda, although Rwanda has denied such allegations. This historical backdrop highlights the complexity of the conflict, which has significantly impacted humanitarian conditions for the local population.
In conclusion, the confrontation between Congolese forces and M23 rebels in Goma reflects a broader pattern of instability and humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC. With international condemnation of Rwanda’s alleged support for these rebels, local protests against the conflict escalate, further complicating the political landscape. The urgent need for renewed peace negotiations is evident, as the lives and safety of countless civilians remain at risk in this tumultuous region.
Original Source: apnews.com
