The M23 movement, an armed group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), claims to have taken control of Goma, a major city in the region. Videos shared by residents depict M23 fighters patrolling the city’s main streets after a rapid advance against the Congolese army on Sunday. The offensive forced tens of thousands of people to flee neighboring towns.
After hours of gunfire and explosions, Goma, a city of over one million residents, is now reportedly quiet, according to local media. However, the situation remains tense.
The development follows accusations by the DRC’s Foreign Minister that Rwanda has effectively declared war by supporting the M23 rebels with troops. Rwanda has denied these allegations, instead accusing Kinshasa of harboring militias aiming for regime change in Kigali.
In response, Kenya has called for a ceasefire and announced an emergency regional summit. Kenyan President William Ruto, chair of the East African Community (EAC), urged regional leaders to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Presidents of both Rwanda and the DRC are expected to attend the summit in the coming days.
The conflict has caused a massive displacement crisis. According to the UN refugee agency, more than 400,000 people have fled their homes in North and South Kivu provinces since the start of 2025. Alice Feza, a displaced woman from Kiwanja, Rutshuru, and Kibumba, described her desperate situation after being forced to flee to Goma.
“People are fleeing everywhere, and we don’t know where to go anymore,” Feza lamented. “The war catches us here among the host families, and now we have nowhere to go.”
Critical infrastructure around Goma has been affected. Key roads are blocked, and the city’s airport is no longer operational for evacuation or humanitarian aid. The UN has labeled the situation dire.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces from DRC territory and called on the M23 to cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied areas. The UK and France have echoed these demands, with France’s UN representative, Nicolas de Rivière, emphasizing the need for Rwanda’s withdrawal.
Rwanda, however, continues to deny direct involvement. At a UN Security Council meeting, Rwanda’s representative, Ernest Rwamucyo, criticized the international community for condemning the M23 while ignoring alleged ceasefire violations by the Congolese army.
The M23 group, formed in 2012 as an offshoot of another rebel faction, claims to protect the Tutsi population in eastern DRC, citing long-standing grievances of discrimination and persecution. Rwanda has accused the DRC of collaborating with those responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide against ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
Critics, however, accuse Rwanda of using the M23 to exploit the DRC’s mineral wealth, including gold, cobalt, and tantalum.
The conflict has taken a toll on peacekeepers as well. Thirteen UN soldiers were killed in recent clashes with the rebels. In response, the UN announced the withdrawal of non-essential staff from Goma, although critical operations in the DRC continue.
As the humanitarian and security crisis deepens, the international community faces growing pressure to address the conflict’s root causes and prevent further escalation.
